Only Fools and Horses

Where is the cast of Only Fools and Horses now? From kids with on-screen son to a tragic cancer diagnosis

Following the news that actor Patrick Murray who played Mickey Pearce has been diagnosed with cancer, we take a look at where the stars of Only Fools and Horses are now

Only Fools and Horses first hit our screens four decades ago and has been the centre of British television ever since.

The laugh-out-loud comedy, created and written by the late great John Sullivan, is centred around the chaotic lives of wheeler-dealer Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter and his younger brother Rodney.

A staggering ratings hit, the legendary show still holds the record for the highest UK audience for a sitcom episode with 24.3 million viewers tuning in for ‘Time on Our Hands’ in 1996.

It was such a popular sitcom that it led to a number of spin-offs, including The Green Green Grass, prequel Rock & Chips, and even a musical adaptation in 2019.

Stars such as David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst became instant household names as they delved through their trials and tribulations.

Only Fools And Horses Christmas Special 1996. David Jason as Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney
Only Fools And Horses Christmas Special 1996. David Jason as Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney (Image: BBC)

Following the sad news that actor Patrick Murray, who starred as Mickey Pearce in the sitcom, has been diagnosed with cancer, we take a look at where the stars of Only Fools and Horses are now.

David Jason – Del Boy

Del Boy was the charismatic trader who could sell ice to the Eskimos!
Del Boy was the charismatic trader who could sell ice to the Eskimos! (Image: BBC)

One of the most iconic characters in the history of television, Del Boy was the charismatic trader who could sell just about anything to anyone.

The sarcastic salesman was always up to some sort of scam before he eventually decided to settle down with his wife Raquel.

Although he made a household name for himself as Del Boy, Sir David Jason was actually only considered for the part after the original star who was cast for the role turned it down.

David made the part his own, even introducing Del’s cheap gold jewellery and trademark camel coat on a whim.

David Jason played loveable rogue Del Boy Trotter
David Jason played loveable rogue Del Boy Trotter (Image: PA Features Archive/Press Association Images)

He has indicated he would love to take up the role of Del Boy one last time.

Sir David was knighted for services to acting and comedy in 2005 and has won four BAFTAs, four British Comedy Awards and seven NTAs.

More recently, he appeared as Detective Inspector Jack Frost until retiring from the role in 2010 and has also starred as Granville in Open All Hours and was part of the cast for The Darling Buds of May.

Nicholas Lyndhurst – Rodney Trotter

Nicholas Lyndhurst was Del Boy's younger brother Rodney
Nicholas Lyndhurst was Del Boy’s younger brother Rodney (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Rodney, who was played by Nicholas Lyndhurst, was Del Boy’s awkward and sometimes ‘dumb’ younger brother who often fell for his sibling’s pranks and scams.

Having been raised by Del, Rodney was very dependent on his brother during the show.

Although he attempted to lead a much straighter life, and get away from his get-rich-quick schemes, Rodney could never seem to escape his brother’s wrath.

Popular actor Nicholas went on to star in an array of sitcoms including Goodnight Sweetheart, The Two of Us and After You’ve Gone.

Lyndhurst’s family suffered a heart-breaking tragedy in 2020 when 19-year-old son Archie died in his sleep from a brain haemorrhage caused by acute lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukaemia.

It was recently rumoured that Nicholas had quit acting after the tragedy, but his representatives have since denied this.

John Challis – Boycie

John Challis starred in Boycie focused spin-off The Green Green Grass
John Challis starred in Boycie focused spin-off The Green Green Grass

John Challis tragically passed away at 79 years old following a long battle with cancer in September last year.

His family said in a statement at the time that the actor died “peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer”.

“It is with heavy hearts that we bring you such sad news,” the family statement read.

“Our dear friend and yours, John Challis, has died peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer.

“He will always be loved for being ‘Boycie’ and leaves a great legacy of work that will continue to bring pleasure and smiles for many years to come.”

Car salesman Boycie loved boasting about his wealth in the hit sitcom Only Fools and Horses
Car salesman Boycie loved boasting about his wealth in the hit sitcom Only Fools and Horses (Image: Ian West/PA Wire)

John was in his late 30s when he landed the role of Boycie, with the part initially just for one scene before his character became more prominent in the series.

The much-loved actor also starred in its spin-off The Green Green Grass from 2005 to 2009 and the ITV sitcom Benidorm from the seventh series onwards.

Lennard Pearce – Grandad

Lennard Pearce sadly passed away after appearing in 23 episodes
Lennard Pearce sadly passed away after appearing in 23 episodes (Image: BBC)

One of the original cast members, Lennard Pearce played Grandad from the very beginning of the sitcom.

Before appearing on the comedy, the actor had worked alongside the likes of Laurence Olivier and Anthony Hopkins and appeared in plays including My Fair Lady and Much Ado About Nothing.

Grandad was rarely seen out of his armchair in front of his TV sets but he was treated as a butler by Del Boy and Rodney.

Tragically, Lennard unexpectedly died midway through filming the fourth series in 1988 from a heart attack aged 69, leaving the entire cast and crew devastated.

Buster Merryfield – Uncle Albert

Buster Merryfield played Uncle Albert until his death in 1999
Buster Merryfield played Uncle Albert until his death in 1999

Uncle Albert was introduced into the sitcom after the sad death of Lennard Pearce.

Although he did not have much acting experience, actor Buster Merryfield was chosen for the part due to his distinctive white beard.

Buster had been an amateur dramatics actor and did not make it his main profession until he was 57.

His character could be mostly found reminiscing about his wartime experiences with the Royal Navy.

Albert, who was Grandad’s estranged brother, became famous for his catchphrase “during the war…”

Buster died in 1999 at the age of 78 as a result of a brain tumour.

Uncle Albert’s death was then written into the next episode as a tribute.

Tessa Peake-Jones – Raquel Turner

Tessa Peake-Jones played Raquel Turner on the hit BBC show
Tessa Peake-Jones played Raquel Turner on the hit BBC show (Image: Faye Thomas)

Raquel first appeared in the ‘Dates’ special and her appearance was intended on being a one-off.

However, she quickly became a permanent character due to the fact producers wanted to bring in more female characters to the sitcom.

Raquel also soon became a recurring love interest of Del Boy.

The pair remained the central romance on the series and the lovebirds eventually welcomed their son, Damien.

Raquel became a permanent character and became a recurring love interest of Del Boy
Raquel became a permanent character and became a recurring love interest of Del Boy

Actress Tessa stayed with the sitcom until it ended in 1996 with the episode ‘Time on Our Hands’.

She then went on to return for the revival specials from 2001, making her final appearance as Raquel in 2003 special ‘Sleepless in Peckham’.

The actress has since starred in a number of UK dramas including Midsomer Murders, Doctors, Casualty, Holby City and Doctor Who.

Tess actually got married to co-star Douglas Hodge who played an adult version of her on-screen son Damien in Only Fools special ‘Heroes and Villains’.

The couple have two children together and were together for 27 years until they split in February 2013.

Sue Holderness – Marlene Boyce

Sue Holderness played Marlene Boyce in Only Fools and Horses and The Green Green Grass
Sue Holderness played Marlene Boyce in Only Fools and Horses and The Green Green Grass (Image: Mirrorpix)

Boycie’s wife Marlene first appeared on Only Fools and Horses back in 1985.

Her storyline surrounded the suggestion that she may have had romantic relations with all of her husband’s friends.

Actress Sue Holderness appeared in 20 episodes before going on to star alongside John Challis as Boycie in spin-off The Green Green Grass.

Away from Only Fools and Horses, Sue has appeared in many UK shows including Doctors, Casualty, Still Open All Hours and Cold Feet.

Sue shot back onto our TV screens this year as she joined the cast of EastEnders as mysterious newcomer Estelle, who has a run-in with Billy Mitchell.

Roger Lloyd-Pack – Trigger

Roger Lloyd-Pack had an incredible acting career
Roger Lloyd-Pack had an incredible acting career

Trigger (‘Is he called that cos he carries a gun?’ ‘No, it’s cos he looks like an ‘orse’) was another supporting character in the series and he was the dopey friend of Del Boy.

A running joke in the series was that Trigger always called Rodney “Dave”. A road sweeper by trade, Trigger was once awarded a medal by Councillor Murray for looking after his broom.

He was played by Roger Lloyd-Pack, a vastly experienced actor who also appeared as Owen Newitt in The Vicar of Dibley.

Lloyd-Pack, the father of actress Emily Lloyd, died in 2014, at the age of 69, following a battle with cancer.

Paul Barber – Denzil Tulser

Paul Barber went on to star in The Full Monty
Paul Barber went on to star in The Full Monty (Image: The Mirror)

Denzil was an easy-going lorry driver from Liverpool who was often the victim of Del Boy’s scams.

Eventually, his controlling wife Corinne got so fed up with Denzil always going along with Del Boy’s antics that she walked out on him.

Played by Paul Barber, Denzil was given genuine Liverpudlian charm as the actor is from the English city.

Paul featured in a number of UK shows including Brookside and Cracker and was also one of the lead stars of the 1997 classic male stripper comedy film The Full Monty.

Still working, his recent credits include the children’s show The Dumping Ground, Casualty and Death in Paradise.

Gwyneth Strong – Cassandra Trotter

Gwyneth Strong played Cassandra Trotter and has gone on to enjoy a role in EastEnders
Gwyneth Strong played Cassandra Trotter and has gone on to enjoy a role in EastEnders (Image: Matt Alexander/PA Wire)

First appearing in ‘Yuppy Love’, Cassandra was Rodney’s girlfriend who he married at the end of series six.

However, their troubled marriage was one of the main storylines towards the end of the show as her career-driven lifestyle caused fights with Rodney.

Actress Gwyneth Strong did not begin her iconic role as Cassandra until 1989, appearing in a total of 21 episodes of the show.

Since the end of the show, Gwyneth has enjoyed varied success in the world of TV and film popping up in Casualty and Doctors, while also playing the recurring role of Geraldine Clough on EastEnders in 2016.

In 1997 she starred opposite David Jason in a guest role on A Touch of Frost and also has impressive stage credits to her name including a 2008 West End production of Madness’s Our House.

Gwyneth has been married to Footballers’ Wives star Jesse Birdsall since 2000 and they have two children together.

Patrick Murray – Mickey Pearce

Patrick Murray as Mickey Pearce on Only Fools and Horses
(Image: BBC/The Mirror)

Patrick Murray, better known as Mickey Pearce on the much-loved show, recently revealed that he has a tumour in his lung.

Taking to Twitter, the star wrote: “Naturally I wanted to keep my own health problems private, but failing to fully endorse this ad would be selfish.

“Thanks to my ultrascan I have a fighting chance.

“It showed my organs needed further investigation and tumours were spotted.

“This led to a PET scan which covers a much larger area.

“To my wonderful surprise these lesions were not cancerous but the scan did find an early-stage cancerous tumour in my lung. This has since been removed.”

He went on to say that he would not have been able to tweet his message if he had not have had the ultrasound and urged people to get checked before he thanked the NHS for their hard work.

Patrick made a total of 20 appearances on the show and went on to land roles in big-screen productions, including The Firm and Curse Of The Pink Panther.

After his acting career, he became a taxi driver in Kent before quitting work altogether amid his battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Kenneth MacDonald – Mike the Landlord

Kenneth MacDonald played pub landlord Mike Fisher
Kenneth MacDonald played pub landlord Mike Fisher

Mike Fisher was the long-suffering although slightly dim-witted landlord of the Nags Head in Only Fools and Horses.

Good-natured Mike was often subjected to Del Boy’s scams and always struggled to get him to pay off his bar tab.

Actor Kenneth MacDonald died unexpectedly of a heart attack in 2001 aged just 50 while on holiday with his family in Hawaii.

On hearing of MacDonald’s death, David Jason said: “It is a terrible shock. It is like losing a member of the family because he was one of the warmest, kindest people that I have had the good fortune to meet in my career.”

MacDonald was also a familiar face as Gunner “Nobby” Clark in another favourite BBC sitcom, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, and also appeared in the Channel 4 soap Brookside.

Writer John Sullivan wrote a new storyline where Mike had been caught up in Del and Rodney’s dodgy dealings and was imprisoned for trying to embezzle the brewery to cover his losses.

Roy Heather – Sid

Roy Heather played Sid over 13 episodes of Only Fools and Hordes and one episode of The Green Green Grass
Roy Heather played Sid over 13 episodes of Only Fools and Hordes and one episode of The Green Green Grass (Image: PA)

Sid was the owner of a derelict cafe but eventually became landlord of local pub The Nag’s Head.

While fighting in the Second World War he was captured then escaped, only for his boat to be sunk by a Greek fishing trawler being steered by Uncle Albert.

Sid, who was played by Roy Heather, only appeared in 13 episodes between 1982 and 2003.

Roy clocked up an impressive number of TV credits over the years including The Bill, My Family, Birds of a Feather and Bottom.

He also reprised his role of Sid in 2005 during an episode of Boycie’s spin-off show The Green Green Grass.

Sadly, Roy died in September 2014, aged 79, of undisclosed causes.

Douglas Hodge – Damien Trotter

Douglas Hodge and Tessa Peake-Jones were mother and son on-screen and husband and wife in real life
Douglas Hodge and Tessa Peake-Jones were mother and son on-screen and husband and wife in real life (Image: Rex Features)

A grand total of six actors played Del Boy and Raquel’s son Damien but only one played an adult version of him.

Esteemed stage actor Douglas Hodge played the dictator-esque version of Damien that appeared in Rodney’s dream sequence at the beginning of the 1996 Christmas Special (most famous for the Batman and Robin scenes).

In the ‘Heroes and Villains’ special, Rodney had a nightmare of a dystopian future where an adult Damien ruled the Western world and forced President Keanu Reeves to declare war on China while ruling the multinational Trotters Independent Traders with an iron fist.

Best known for his lengthy theatre career, Hodge has had roles in The Night Manager, Outnumbered and Black Mirror.

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