For decades, the sound of a quirky theme tune and the familiar cry of “Lovely jubbly!” have been synonymous with British television at its finest. The Story Of Only Fools And Horses is more than just a chronicle of a TV show; it’s a cultural phenomenon that captured the hearts of a nation. It tells the tale of the Trotter family of Peckham, London, whose unending quest for fortune, led by the eternal optimist Del Boy, resulted in some of the most iconic moments in comedy history. This narrative is a masterclass in character, wit, and pathos, cementing its place as one of the greatest sitcoms ever made. For a comprehensive visual journey, many fans seek out the story of only fools and horses documentary full to relive the magic.
Who Was the Creator of Only Fools and Horses?
The heart and soul behind the Trotter family was the brilliant writer John Sullivan. The story of Only Fools and Horses was deeply personal to him, drawing heavily from his own working-class background in South London. Sullivan, who had previously found success with the sitcom Citizen Smith, had an ear for the authentic dialogue and colourful characters of market trader life. He saw the comedy and tragedy in the everyday struggle, the relentless optimism of people who, despite life’s constant knockbacks, always believed that “this time next year, we’ll be millionaires.”
Sullivan’s pitch was initially met with some hesitation at the BBC. The concept of two brothers, a scrappy market trader and his lanky, academically inclined younger sibling, living in a council flat with their elderly Grandad, wasn’t a guaranteed hit. Yet, Sullivan’s sharp writing and the depth he gave his characters convinced the commissioners to take a chance. He famously wrote every single script for the show’s entire run, ensuring a consistent voice and vision that was crucial to its long-term success. His genius was in blending laugh-out-loud gags with moments of genuine emotion, creating a world that felt both hilarious and incredibly real.
The Trotter Family: More Than Just Characters
At its core, the appeal of the show lies with its perfectly crafted characters. The dynamic between the Trotter family members was the engine that drove every plot, providing endless comedic potential and surprising emotional depth.
### Del Boy: The Eternal Optimist
Derek “Del Boy” Trotter, masterfully played by David Jason, is the quintessential lovable rogue. A man of big dreams and often questionable schemes, Del Boy is the head of the Trotter family and the proprietor of the perpetually on-the-brink-of-success “Trotters Independent Traders.” His misguided attempts at sophistication, peppering his speech with mangled French phrases like “Mange tout, Rodney, mange tout,” became legendary. Despite his flaws and his constant get-rich-quick failures, Del Boy’s unwavering loyalty to his family and his unshakeable belief in a better future made him a hero to millions. He was the ultimate survivor, always ready with a witty retort and a plan to turn a pile of faulty goods into a fortune.
### Rodney: The Plonker with a Conscience
In stark contrast to his brother was Rodney Trotter, portrayed by Nicholas Lyndhurst. The long-suffering, more intellectually inclined younger brother, often the butt of Del’s jokes and condescendingly referred to as a “plonker.” Rodney harboured ambitions beyond the market stall, having earned a couple of GCEs, a fact Del both mocked and was secretly proud of. He was the voice of reason, the moral compass who would often point out the glaring flaws in Del’s plans, usually to no avail. The chemistry between Jason and Lyndhurst was electric, their physical and comedic differences creating a double act for the ages.
### Grandad and Uncle Albert: The Older Generation
The trio was initially completed by Lennard Pearce as Grandad, the weary, telly-obsessed elder statesman of the family. His deadpan delivery and vacant expressions provided a perfect foil to Del’s hyperactivity and Rodney’s anxiety. Following Pearce’s sad passing in 1984, a new character was introduced: Uncle Albert, played by Buster Merryfield. An old sea dog with a seemingly endless supply of far-fetched wartime stories, Albert quickly became a beloved part of the family dynamic, his catchphrase “During the war…” signaling the start of yet another ludicrous anecdote. The complete story of only fools and horses is a testament to how the show masterfully handled this transition.
From Peckham Market to National Treasure
The journey to legendary status was not immediate. When the first series aired in 1981, the viewing figures were modest. The show was a slow burn, building a loyal audience through word of mouth and repeats. It was during the mid-1980s that its popularity exploded, with the Christmas specials becoming a non-negotiable part of the nation’s festive viewing schedule.
These feature-length episodes allowed John Sullivan to expand the world and craft more ambitious storylines. They became major television events, drawing in audiences of over 20 million people. It was in these specials that some of the show’s most unforgettable moments occurred, cementing its place in the British psyche. The show wasn’t just a sitcom anymore; it was a national institution that brought families together around the television set.
What Are the Most Iconic Only Fools and Horses Moments?
Even people who have never seen a full episode are often familiar with its legendary scenes, which have been endlessly replayed and referenced in popular culture.
One of the most famous gags involves Del Boy, trying to impress some women in a wine bar. Leaning coolly against what he thinks is a solid bar, he tells Trigger to “play it nice and cool.” As Trigger turns away, Del leans back, only to fall straight through an open hatch in the bar. David Jason’s flawless physical comedy made this scene, from the 1989 episode “Yuppy Love,” an all-time classic.
Another universally recognised moment is from “A Touch of Glass.” The Trotters, having landed a job cleaning priceless chandeliers in a stately home, manage to drop and smash the very one they were working on. The silent, horrified looks on their faces as the priceless antique shatters on the floor below is comedy gold. And who could forget the 1996 Christmas special, “Heroes and Villains,” where Del and Rodney burst into a wake dressed as Batman and Robin, having been given the wrong information about a fancy-dress party. The sight of the dynamic duo jogging through the foggy streets of Peckham is one of the most surreal and hilarious images in television history.
The Enduring Legacy of a Comedy Classic
Why does the story of Only Fools and Horses continue to resonate so deeply with audiences today? Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless themes of family, loyalty, and ambition. The show was a celebration of the underdog. No matter how many times the Trotters failed, they always picked themselves up and tried again, held together by an unbreakable family bond.
Its influence is seen in the countless catchphrases that have entered the English language. “Lovely jubbly,” “You plonker,” “Cushty,” and “This time next year, we’ll be millionaires” are all part of the national lexicon. The show has been endlessly repeated, adapted into a successful stage musical, and remains a benchmark against which all other British sitcoms are measured. For fans wanting the deepest dive, only fools and horses the official inside story offers unparalleled detail into its creation and impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
### How many episodes of Only Fools and Horses are there?
There are a total of 64 episodes. This is comprised of seven series that aired between 1981 and 1991, followed by a series of sixteen Christmas specials which continued until 2003.
### Where was Only Fools and Horses filmed?
While the show is famously set in Peckham, South London, much of the exterior filming for Nelson Mandela House was actually done at Harlech Tower in Acton, West London. Bristol was also used for many city shots in later series.
### What was in Del Boy’s famous cocktail?
Del Boy’s signature drink, the “Peckham Spring,” was a ludicrous concoction that he tried to pass off as a sophisticated beverage. It was essentially tap water, but he also created other bizarre cocktails, most famously the “Caribbean Stallion,” which was a mix of Crème de la menthe, tequila, and anything else within reach, often topped with an umbrella.
### Who sang the Only Fools and Horses theme song?
Contrary to popular belief, the theme song was not sung by Nicholas Lyndhurst or David Jason. It was written and performed by the show’s creator, John Sullivan. He was unhappy with the original theme tune for the first series and wrote and recorded the now-famous song himself.
### Did the Trotters ever become millionaires?
Yes, they finally achieved their lifelong dream in the 1996 Christmas special “Time on Our Hands.” They discovered a rare 18th-century watch, the Harrison “lesser watch,” in their garage, which sold at Sotheby’s for £6.2 million, making them millionaires at last.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Laugh
Ultimately, the story of only fools & horses is a powerful narrative about hope and the importance of family. It taught us that wealth isn’t just about money in the bank; it’s about the richness of the relationships you share. Through all the dodgy deals and disastrous schemes, the love between Del Boy, Rodney, and their extended family was the real treasure. The show’s perfect blend of comedy and heart is why, decades later, we are still laughing, crying, and rooting for the Trotter family of Nelson Mandela House. It remains, and will likely always be, truly cushty.
