Only Fools And Horses star Tessa Peake-Jones has admitted filming the comedy was anything but a barrel of laughs as she looks back ahead of its 45th anniversary.
The actress, 68, who played Del Boy’s wife Raquel, recalled the gruelling rehearsals before battling nerves to perform in front of the studio audience.
She will soon join her former co-stars in a U&Gold two-part documentary titled Only Fools And Horses: The Lost Archive with new interviews and never before seen clips.
And while fans have been left in stitches by the show, which debuted in 1981, Tessa confessed: ‘Usually [the actors have] seen it all in rehearsals so many times, it’s not that funny anymore anyway.’
When it came to facing the audience, she said comedy icons Sir David Jason, who played Del Boy, and Nicholas Lyndhurst, Rodney, were just as nervous as her.
‘If people had seen us backstage before the show, they’d have seen people pacing up and down the corridors with nerves, including David and Nick.’
Only Fools And Horses star Tessa Peake-Jones has admitted filming the comedy was anything but a barrel of laughs as she looks back ahead of its 45th anniversary
Tessa told The Sun: ‘We cared so much, and we wanted to get it right, but one slip-up of a word could ruin that laugh.’
Previously discussing the new documentary, Sir David, 86, said: ‘The love for Only Fools has never faded. It’s incredible to see how many people still hold it close to their hearts.
‘Revisiting these rediscovered moments reminded me just how special the show was – and still is. It’s incredible to be able to share them now.’
Helen Nightingale, UKTV’s Head of Factual and Factual Entertainment, Commissioning, added: ‘Only Fools and Horses is part of the national DNA. With its humour, heart and unforgettable characters, it’s British comedy at its very best.
‘This series is a celebration of its legacy and a chance to share new discoveries with the fans who’ve loved it for decades.’
The actress, 68, who played Del Boy’s wife Raquel, recalled the gruelling rehearsals before battling nerves to perform in front of the studio audience (pictured with Sir David Jason)
Meanwhile, Only Fools And Horses: The Musical opened in February 2019 and ran for four years.
The show had been a hit with fans and critics alike, as well as the sitcom’s former stars who attended its premiere and celebratory performances.
Paul Whitehouse co-wrote the show with Jim Sullivan, son of the Only Fools And Horses creator John Sullivan, who always dreamed of taking the show to the West End.
David JasonNicholas Lyndhurst
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Only Fools And Horses star Tessa Peake-Jones admits filming the classic comedy was anything but a laughing matter – ahead of its 45th anniversary