Only Fools And Horses star Sir David Jason, 84, reveals he struggles to get parts because of his age: ‘I’m trying to convince producers I’ve got many characters left to play’

Sir David Jason has played some of the most iconic roles in television history, but the 84-year-old admitted he now struggles to get new parts.

The actor, who played the hapless Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses for two decades, told the Radio Times that he was ‘desperately’ trying to get television bosses to cast him in his twilight years.

The Touch of Frost actor said: ‘I’m trying desperately to convince producers and directors that I’ve got many characters still left to play. Senior actors have got a tremendous amount to offer.’

His most recent television job was co-presenting the 15-part BBC series Jay and David’s Touring Tool Shed with Jay Blades at the beginning of the year,

Mr Blades has since been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour against his estranged wife, and Sir David confirmed there will be no follow-up series.

The actor, who played Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses (centre) for two decades, told the Radio Times that he was ‘desperately’ trying to get television bosses to cast him 

Sir David said he was ‘open to offers’, despite not appearing in a scripted project since 2019 when he played Granville in an Open All Hours reboot.

He’s not the first actor to complain about casting struggles in later life. 

In the 2018 documentary Nothing Like A Dame, Dame Joan Plowright, 95, confessed: ‘My agent said, ‘Well if you do want to act again, we’ll look around for a nice little cameo that Judi Dench hasn’t got her paws on.’

Sir David said that despite not appearing as Del Boy since 2003, the character is still a big part of his life.

He said: ‘You walk around with the ghost of Del Boy on your shoulder or behind you, peering over your shoulder saying, ‘Go on. Tell her Bonjour’. [And I’m thinking] ‘Will you shut up!?’ But that is what the character would do. He’d say, ‘Well, bonjour, bonjour! Bonnet de douche?’.

Sir David also revealed that he will spend Christmas with his long-lost daughter and only grandchild Charlie at his 18th-century farmhouse near Wendover, Buckinghamshire.

Abi Harris, 53, is the daughter of actress Jennifer Hill – who starred in James Bond film Octopussy – after her mother and Sir David had a brief relationship in 1970.

In 2022, Ms Harris wrote an ‘astonishing letter’ to Sir David and a paternity test later confirmed he was her father.

The Touch of Frost actor said: ‘I’m trying desperately to convince producers and directors that I’ve got many characters still left to play. Senior actors have got a tremendous amount to offer’

Sir David said: ‘We’ll share some Christmas time together and will probably play lots of games. Charlie loves bingo – and I’m usually the caller, which generally provides a lot of amusement!’

In 2001 aged 61, Sir David and his now wife Gill Hinchcliffe welcomed their first child Sophie.

 David previously revealed his ‘real regret’ over his Only Fools and Horses character and admits he feels haunted by the role. 

The actor revealed his true feelings in a candid interview on BBC Breakfast with Jon Kay where he explained that the character has overshadowed his other work.

David’s full interview can be read in the new issue of Radio Times 

David told the show that he feels the ‘ghost’ of Derek Trotter is following him and explained that he feels the character hangs over him.

He said: ‘That Derek Trotter thing, he’s a bit of a ghost that comes along behind me like A Christmas Carol.’

The star expressed frustration that despite a decades-long career in film and television he is most know for playing Del Boy. 

He said the character ‘only hangs me back, only upsets me slightly is because that seems to be the only thing that people remember me for.’

‘I’m delighted in one way that it’s reached so many people and they’ve enjoyed what I’ve done with the character, but I’ve done so many other things that everybody seems to have forgotten about. It’s like I’ve only ever played Derek Trotter.’

David revealed that while he isn’t disappointed with his career, there are still so many goals he hasn’t achieved and put that down to being followed by the ghost of his most iconic character. 

The star explained: ‘My real disappointment or regret, if you like, is I always wanted to be a National Theatre player. 

‘I always wanted to be on the stage of the National Theatre. It was just that romantic image of playing those big productions with all those big, wonderful actors. That never happened.’