Sir David Jason, 82, has spoken out on the beginnings of Only Fools and Horses and how he believes the show would be perceived today. The actor said the first series of the hit BBC show “had about three people watching it” but bosses decided to keep it regardless.
He said: “It was not greeted well. With comedy you have to give it time to breathe, so the audience can learn about the characters.
“We got another series and even given the chance to keep improving.”
“They don’t want to do that these days, they just want the audience figures,” the Del Boy star concluded, according to the Mirror.
David’s remarks come after his co-star John Challis issued a warning about the future of comedy shortly before his death last year.
Patrick Murray, who portrayed Mickey Pearce in Only Fools and Horses, also spoke out against censorship.
The 65-year-old actor admitted he would like to see a film revival of the series, but feared it would be “constrained” by “woke” culture.
He said he was concerned viewers would now take offence over the word “plonker”.
Patrick also explained he would be worried the BBC could “ruin” the sitcom by being too cautious.