Only Fools and Horses

Only Fools and Horses actor who turned down the role of Del Boy but ended up guest starring in the sitcom

The actor was widely recognised for his role on the hit sitcom

Jim Broadbent is a talented and well-liked actor. Some may know him for having played Horace Slughorn in the Harry Potter film series, or for his role as James Bayley in the 2001 film Iris, whilst others will recognise him as the sitcom star who had a fleeting role on the hit classic Only Fools and Horses.

Although the Academy Award wining actor, 73, could’ve had a key role on the show, if he had decided to take on the role of Del Boy. Creator John Sullivan originally planned for Jim to play the beloved character, but the actor turned it down due to his own personal reasons, and so it was later given to Sir David Jason.-

Jim said: “Originally I was the second choice for Del Boy. “The first choice was Enn Reitel, but he didn’t fancy it and I couldn’t do it because I was doing a show in the West End. Luckily David Jason was available so my biggest contribution to British culture is not being available!”

Jim Broadbent as Roy Slater in Only Fools and Horses (Image: BBC)

Despite missing out on the iconic Del Boy role, Jim starred as recurring bent copper Roy Slater in the sitcom in 1983, 1985 and 1991. Jim admitted that despite the show having ended back in 2003, he is amazed at seeing the sitcom being watched by a new generation of audiences.

“It’s Only Fools and Horses more than anything else and it goes across the generations – kids who weren’t even alive when we made it say Slater is their favourite”, he said. Jim also admitted previously that he often gets recognised the most for his minor appearance on Only Fools and Horses.


David Jason eventually got the role of Del Boy, and we couldn’t imagine him as anyone else (Image: BBC)

“I only went in for three episodes – never allowed to forget it.” Jim added: “I saw one the other day, Class Reunion, and it was on and I sort of hovered by the sofa. And then I sat down and watched it right through.” Adding: “It was extraordinary. It’s quite non-PC some of it now. It’s sort of ‘oooh’, it’s 30 years ago. But still it’s by far the most recognition I get on the street is for Only Fools.”

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button