David Jason landed Only Fools and Horses role with one genius move

Only Fools and Horses: Del Boy and Rodney are Batman and Robin

David Jason took on the legendary role of Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses back in 1981.

The show quickly became a phenomenon and is still rendered one of the best sitcoms of all time, but when it came to picking the core characters, it was always going to be a big decision.

So David did something risky when he got in the audition room - but luckily it all worked out for him.

It's reported the star entered and immediately made fun of director Ray Butt's Cocknet accent with a "pitch perfect" imitation, and the director loved it.

But it wasn't plain sailing before he impressed the director, with David previously admitting he was "merely a fifth option".

Don't miss... David Jason's Only Fools colleague was axed after leaving bosses furious [LATEST]

David Jason had a genius move (Image: BBC)

He previously joked the other actors would have been "terribly sniffly" about being offered the part, but he was flattered.

David said it was more important to be "the best you can be when you get to the front of the queue," rather than the "first in line".

The gig on Only Fools and Horses was just one of many in David's incredible acting career, with A Touch of Frost and The Darling Buds of May both proving to be popular shows in his time.

Don't miss...
David Jason hits out at Only Fools creator after huge change 'Ran out of steam' [LATEST]
David Jason was 'nearly eaten' on set of iconic Only Fools and Horses episode [LATEST]
David Jason claims major plot ruined Only Fools and Horses [LATEST]

David Jason has spoke extensively of Only Fools and Horses over the years (Image: Getty) window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20240917.min.js" SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

David previously opened up on the mistake that truly ended Only Fools and Horses, discussing the storyline where the Trotters became millionaires.

He previously told The Mirror: "It was the end of a journey and the journey was that struggle for survival, the struggle for the family, the way that they behaved, that interaction and all of that stuff that made the Trotters ceased to exist once they had become millionaires, if you like."