BBC Mortimer and Whitehouse: Why Paul Whitehouse reckons Only Fools and Horses would never be made now
The TV legend is convinced the show would never take off in this day and age
Comedian Paul Whitehouse’s recent fishing adventures with his lifelong friend Bob Mortimer, albeit hilarious, are a serious contrast to his other recent role in the new Only Fools and Horses musical.
It was only fitting that British comedy legend Paul would take the role of Grandad in the 2019 West End musical re-imagining of the 1980s East London hit comedy show, having been an avid fan of the TV show back in the day.
The 63-year-old, who co-wrote the musical, is familiar with what defines a successful late 20th century sitcom – having secured his comedic status in his starring role on the Fast Show in the 90s.
But as Only Fools and Horses celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, the Welsh-born and Enfield-raised comedian has recently opened up about why the cult show would never be a hit now, in an interview with the Sun.
Although the 63-year-old has said the show is a ‘hit’ – whatever critics might think of it – and has described Del Boy as the ‘greatest ever sitcom character’, he admitted it would never hold its own in this day and age.
Like Peckham-based Del Boy and Rodney, Paul had a working-class upbringing himself, and was a huge fan of the series – he met Harry Enfield and Kathy Burke on the comedy circuit in the 80s, and always had a ‘soft spot’ for Grandad, played by Lennard Pearce on TV.
He said: “If you ask people what their favourite sitcoms are, in terms of affection, nothing gets close to Only Fools.
“There is a genuine love for it, and that’s across all generations, different races and genders, which is very rare.
“In my opinion it’s the best ever and Del Boy is the greatest sitcom character of all time.”
Paul credits late writer of the show John Sullivan with the rare ability to balance tragedy and comedy, which he believes led to the show’s cult following and multi-generational appeal.
Paul called the three Trotters as the vital ‘core’ of the show, describing how the ‘vulnerable’ characters give the show “a real heart and warmth to it.”
However, Paul doesn’t think the show would fly anymore, describing how present day audiences simply don’t have the patience to sit through the development of a long-running show anymore.
He reckons “drama is king”, and that comedy isn’t held in the esteem it once was.
Paul even admitted Only Fools should have ended in 1996 – when viewing numbers peaked, breaking records – rather than continuing for another three episodes.
The Only Fools musical – which John Sullivan began writing before his shock death of pneumonia – was an instant hit before it was cut short by the pandemic, but it is now set to return next month.
John, who finished writing the show, said: “It was tough condensing 40 years of Only Fools into a two-hour show, there’s just so much great content.”
