Only Fools and Horses star David Jason, 81, is said to have been rejected from playing the role of Frank Spencer in sitcom Some Mothers Do ‘Ave Em’ as BBC bosses thought he didn’t have “star quality.” However, the Edmonton actor went on to receive four BAFTAs, four British Comedy Awards and seven National Television Awards for his roles in TV shows.
Speaking to Best of British Magazine, Raymond Allen, the show’s screenwriter, revealed the reasons why the actor didn’t make the cut.
After the writer suggested to BBC bosses that David Jason should be given the lead role of Frank Spencer, he told of how they didn’t agree with his casting choice.
Raymond explained that he was told: “‘Yes, he is very funny.
“‘But he’s only funny in supporting roles. He hasn’t got star quality.'”
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Addressing the possibility of a remake, David said: “The answer there is no,” he said. “No, no, no, the writing would be the same, but also don’t forget, one of my flags that I like to wave, is that it’s a team effort, and it’s not just the character of Del and Rodney, and Uncle Albert, or Grandad, as it were.”
“But it was all the other peripheral characters, you know, Boycie, Marlene and all of those, how beautifully played they all were.”
The actor continued: “You’re hard-pressed to replace all those characters who have endeared themselves into the hearts of your audience today.
“So it would be a very dangerous journey to take, so my answer to that is, don’t try.”