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Behind-the-Scenes Antics: The Pranks of David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst on the Only Fools and Horses Set
Only Fools and Horses is celebrated for its uproarious comedy, and it appears the merriment permeated the atmosphere behind the cameras. The set of the iconic sitcom became a playground for pranks, predominantly instigated by Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst. Much like their characters, Del Boy and Rodney, the duo were always engaging in playful mischief. Numerous stories of their on-set japes have surfaced over the years, but one incident, involving a startled cleaner, remains particularly memorable.
Gunpowder Capers: Early On-Set Pranks
This specific prank unfolded early in the series’ production. David and Nicholas, seeking entertainment during filming, introduced gunpowder bangers onto the set to amuse themselves and their colleagues. These small explosives, often used as children’s toys, produce a sharp snapping sound when detonated. Their prank involved concealing these bangers atop stacks of chairs and above toilet cubicle doors, anticipating that unsuspecting crew members would trigger them, MyLondon reported at the time.
Startled Production Assistant
On one occasion, production assistant Tony Dow experienced a considerable shock. While unstacking chairs, the loud bang of a detonated firework startled him so profoundly that he reportedly hesitated to touch the chairs again, initially perplexed by the source of the sound.
Prank on a Studio Cleaner Backfires
While David and Nicholas revelled in their playful conduct, the situation took an unexpected turn when a cleaner working at the studio suffered a significant fright. One of the bangers, positioned above a men’s restroom cubicle door, detonated and terrified the unsuspecting individual. Understandably, following this regrettable episode, the pair apparently decided to refrain from repeating this particular practical joke.
Lennard Pearce: Grandad Becomes a Prank Victim
Their late co-star, Lennard Pearce, renowned for his role as Grandad in the show, also experienced the impact of their mischievous behaviour. Jason and Lyndhurst orchestrated a prank that deviated from their intentions. They tampered with Pearce’s costume, securing his shoes to the floor and reversing his clothing.
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Grandad’s Outburst and Production Halt
However, Pearce did not receive the joke with amusement. He reportedly became so incensed that he brought filming to a standstill. Producer Ray Butt was required to engage in intense discussions to persuade him to return to set. Jason revealed in a 2013 interview with MailOnline: “He refused to work until we apologised profusely.”
Production Challenges: Flu and Lost Voices
Behind-the-scenes drama was a recurring feature. The classic Christmas special, “A Royal Flush,” faced significant production challenges in 1986 when Nicholas Lyndhurst contracted influenza, jeopardizing the planned Christmas Day broadcast.
Tight Deadlines and Cast Illness
Filming was temporarily suspended due to Lyndhurst’s illness, leaving the production team facing an alarmingly tight deadline to complete the episode. Adding to the complications, David Jason, portraying Del Boy, lost his voice and required a three-day recuperation period.
Royal Variety Performance and Further Delays
Further delays arose when the cast received an invitation to perform at the Royal Variety Performance, which took place a month prior to the Christmas episode’s scheduled premiere. The Royal Variety Performance recording occurred on November 24th during the six-week filming schedule. The production team also utilized the Theatre Royal Drury Lane for filming, integrating it into the episode’s storyline.