Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, the iconic duo known for their roles as Del Boy and Rodney Trotter in Only Fools and Horses, have been at the center of rumors of an off-screen 'feud'. Despite their undeniable on-screen rapport over the show's 22 years of existence, there are rumors that the pair have had a falling out since they last appeared together on the series and have made a pact not to work with each other again.
The much-loved actors, who brought the mischievous market traders to life, have both won critical acclaim for their performances in the cherished BBC sitcom. Their last appearance together was during the jubilant Christmas special of Only Fools and Horses in 2003.
They briefly reprized their roles as the Trotter brothers in a one-off special in 2014, but Sir David, now 83, has indicated that another reunion is out of the question, claiming it will "never happen", as the Mirror reports.
'Fight' behind the scenes
David and Nicholas once shocked the Only Fools and Horses crew by reportedly causing a huge row on set. Recalling the incident from a 1989 episode, David said: "One day Nick and I were sitting in our very small caravan on site. We were all fed up as nothing was happening, so [we] said, 'Why don't we organize a big fight and you can storm out and say you're leaving and I can shout at you and say, 'Never come back.' I never want to work with you."
The BAFTA-winning actor continued: "The whole crew went stiff. Five minutes later the producer and director came over to me, looking terrified. They asked what was going on and I told them to go see Nick. Then when they did that, I couldn't hold back my laughter any longer. Their faces turned from white to purple. I don't think the producer was very impressed."
Not as close as they once were
Their staged fight took place in the late 1980s, but the once solid bond between David and Nicholas unfortunately weakened over the next few years. This is despite their previous admissions that they were great friends outside the Only Fools and Horses set.
David once called Nicholas the perfect co-star in an interview, stating that they were "great friends". Nicholas made his feelings clear in a chat with Red Carpet News in 2017, saying: "We had a very similar work ethic and ethos - that we wanted to do our best as quickly as possible. You didn't have a lot of time to shoot an episode [...] We didn't have much time to rehearse it, so we had to have each other's back."
But in 2022, the warmth between them seemed to have subsided. Sir David admitted in an interview that their communication had waned, revealing: 'He is, how can I put it, perhaps a lot more private than he used to be. So unfortunately we don't see each other as often as I would like, but that's how things turn out sometimes."
The withdrawal from public life for Nicholas followed the devastating loss of his son Archie at just 20 years old in 2020, who died as a result of a brain haemorrhage caused by acute lymphocytic leukaemia. Speaking on behalf of himself and his wife Lucy Smith at the time, Nicholas made a heartbreaking statement: "Lucy and I are completely saddened and respectfully request privacy."
Fight rumors quashed
Despite rumors in 2022 suggesting a serious rift between David and Nicholas following the latter's comments about their reduced contact, it appears there have been no major fallout. Reports suggest that David has been supporting his on-screen sibling during the difficult period following his son's tragic death.
After the tragic death of his son Archie at the age of 20, David is said to have been a rock for his former colleague and his wife Lucy. A source revealed to The Sun: "He is [David] had regular contact [with Nicholas] Since then, like everyone else who cares for Nick and his family, he has simply tried to provide whatever support he can."
During a Channel 5 documentary last year celebrating the enduring appeal of Only Fools and Horses, David Jason quashed any speculation of a feud. He praised Nicholas, saying: "You couldn't have had a better co-partner than Nic. We loved and respected each other so much, we were really good friends. You couldn't have had a better co-partner than Niek."
New co-star
In early news this year, it was revealed that David would jump at the chance to reprise his role as the beloved Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter. However, with the sad loss of Only Fools and Horses creator John Sullivan, a revival seems unlikely.
Yet there could be another factor standing in the way of an Only Fools comeback. Nicholas's burgeoning career in America.
Nicholas returned to the spotlight last year following the heartbreaking death of his son in 2020, landing a role in the reboot of the iconic series Frasier. His first appearance in October as Alan Cornwall, a British professor and Frasier's friend, ended not only with a tribute to former stars, but also with a moving tribute to his late son.
A warm tribute to the Frasier reboot remembered Archie, who was best known for his character Ollie in CBBC's So Awkward and as Luke in the BBC comedy Bad Education.
When the new series premiered, a heartfelt message appeared on screen in memory of Archie, script supervisor Gabrielle James and Frasier legend John Mahoney.
It read: "In memory of Gabrielle James and Archie Lyndhurst."
A moving clip from John, who sadly passed away in 2018, was subsequently broadcast with the late actor playing Martin Crane saying: "It's all going to be OK."
It seems like the words in the poignant music video are especially fitting considering what the family has been through lately.
Looking ahead to the latest series, lead actor Kelsey Grammar spoke fondly of his former Man of La Mancha co-star.
Last year, the iconic actor spoke about the reboot to Deadline: "And then of course there's Alan, played by a good friend of mine, Nick Lyndhurst."
Kelsey painted a picture of their friendship and professional relationship, saying, "He's stealth warfare. He's just the sneakiest, most talented actor I've ever worked with. We previously joined forces in London for the musical Man of La Mancha. We have plans to unite [our partners] and we inevitably became best friends.
"When the concept of Frasier having a best friend came up in the story, it was consistently Nicholas. I had asked him in England, before we officially started, if he would be open to joining the new Frasier. To which he replied: 'Are you kidding me? I would do anything to work with you every day' - a sentiment I completely resonate with."
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