Sir David Jason, the beloved star of Only Fools and Horses, has confirmed he won’t be teaming up with The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades for another project.
The two recently co-hosted the BBC series Jay and David’s Touring Tool Shed, a 15-part show where they explored various restoration projects.
However, due to recent developments involving Blades, the 84-year-old has clarified that there will be no second series.
The 54-year-old is currently facing a charge of controlling and coercive behaviour toward his estranged wife, Lisa Zbozen, and recently appeared at Worcester Crown Court, where he pleaded not guilty.
When asked about his future plans, Jason responded enthusiastically to The Radio Times, saying: “I’m open to offers!” Despite his readiness for fresh projects, Jason is less thrilled about his upcoming milestone 85th birthday.
“Don’t remind me about it! I’m never a great one for celebrations like that,” he laughed. “I always find it a bit tiring, a bit embarrassing, a bit ‘Just get on with it…’ And the older you get, the worse that becomes!”
Jason also shared a humorous memory involving Blades in his latest memoir. He recounted how Blades, a self-professed fan of Only Fools and Horses, made an unusual request in December 2021.
As the festive season approached and Strictly Come Dancing was gearing up for its Christmas Day special, Jason received a call from the show’s producers. They wanted to know if Blades could dance to the Only Fools and Horses theme tune, given his admiration for the classic sitcom. Blades even planned to dress up as Jason’s iconic character, Del Boy, for the performance.
Reflecting on the odd request, Jason admitted: “My first reaction was: he’s possibly not quite right in the head. My second reaction was: I should definitely agree to send him a message of encouragement, via video, that the show can use on the night.”
True to Strictly’s style, Blades took to the dance floor with professional partner Luba Mushtuk, fully embracing Del Boy’s attire as he attempted to dance to “Hooky Street.”
In his characteristically dry humour, Jason commented on Blades’ performance, saying: “I mean, dancing to ‘Hooky Street’? Dressed as Del Boy? This was going to be either the world’s biggest ever victory over the odds, or the greatest disaster in the history of televised pro-celebrity ballroom dancing since Ann Widdecombe did the samba,”
While fans have long wondered why Jason has never been a contestant on Strictly himself, he said that he has never received an invitation. He revealed that he was approached for the show’s 2012 Christmas special but ultimately declined the offer from BBC executives.
You can read the full interview with Radio Times out now