Only Fools And Horses New Series

Right, put the kettle on, grab a Hobnob, and sit down. Because the impossible has happened: the Trotters are coming back. Yes, Only Fools and Horses is getting a new series, and I’m not even joking through a mouthful of sausage roll.

Now, before you start checking your pulse, let me confirm the news: the BBC has greenlit a brand-new run of episodes. It’s not a reboot, not a spin-off, but a proper continuation. And the absolute best part? Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst are confirmed to return as Del Boy and Rodney.

Wait, Didn't They End It Perfectly Already?

Yes, they did. The 1996 episode “Time on Our Hands” saw the Trotters become millionaires. It was the perfect, tear-jerking finish. But then, like a dodgy batch of hooky gear, they brought it back for a few Christmas specials.

Those specials were a mixed bag, let’s be honest. Some were brilliant, some felt a bit like when Grandad’s armchair cushion got a bit flat. Still, the core magic was there—the banter, the van, the utter chaos of Peckham.

This new series, however, is a different beast. The BBC has promised it will be a full, six-episode season. That’s six hours of “Lovely jubbly!” and “You plonker!” And they’re filming it now, with a 2026 release date teased.

But What About Uncle Albert and Trigger?

Here’s the sad but respectful part. The great Buster Merryfield (Uncle Albert) and Roger Lloyd-Pack (Trigger) have passed away. So, no more “During the war…” or “Alright, Dave?” It’s a massive loss, like finding a tenner but it’s got a hole in it.

However, the showrunners are clever. They’re not recasting the roles. Instead, they’re writing the new series around the surviving family. And get this: Paul Barber (Denzil) and Sue Holderness (Marlene) are also returning. That’s the old gang, mostly intact.

Also, a surprising fact: the new episodes will be set in the present day. So expect Del Boy trying to sell NFTs, or Rodney Googling “how to fix a three-wheeled van that’s also a time machine.” I’m already cackling.

The Secret Sauce: Why It Might Actually Work

Here’s the thing—most sitcom revivals are rubbish. Think of The X-Files reboot or the Arrested Development seasons. They often feel like a skeleton wearing your dad’s old coat. But Only Fools has a secret weapon: John Sullivan’s son, Jim Sullivan, is writing it.

John Sullivan, the original genius, died in 2011. His son Jim has been a writer on the show’s stage adaptations and knows the characters like his own family. He’s not just copying jokes; he’s extending the story. It’s like finding a secret level in a classic video game you’ve played a thousand times.

First look at Only Fools And Horses The Musical cast ahead of stage

The tone? They’re aiming for the golden-era feel of the 1980s episodes. That means less slapstick, more sharp, heartwarming banter. And a lot of Del Boy falling over things. Falling over is legally required by the BBC charter, I’m sure.

What About Cassandra, Damien, and the Flat?

Rodney’s wife, Cassandra (Glynnis Barber), is returning. Their son, Damien, is now a 30-year-old adult. Imagine a spoilt, sarcastic millennial who grew up in a rich house but now has to move back in with his dad. The comedy writes itself.

And Del Boy? He’s still living in Nelson Mandela House, but he’s apparently fallen on hard times again. Because of course he has. That’s the Trotters’ curse: no windfall lasts longer than a dodgy Chinese takeaway.

The flat itself is a character. They’ve rebuilt the original set from the BBC archives, down to the tatty wallpaper and the chandelier that’s definitely not crystal. It’s like visiting an old friend who hasn’t changed their ghastly curtains.

The Weirdest Fact You’ll Hear Today

Here’s a bit of trivia to impress your mates at the pub. During the original run, David Jason broke his wrist while filming a fight scene. They wrote it into the show by having Del Boy wear a sling. In the new series, there’s a running joke about Del’s back giving out from all the years of heaving boxes of “NAFA” goods.

Also, Nicholas Lyndhurst (Rodney) famously hated wearing the character’s classic flat cap. He found it itchy. In the new scripts, Rodney wears a beanie hat, and Del constantly mocks him for it. That’s not acting; that’s therapy.

Should You Be Excited or Nervous?

Let’s be honest—we’re all a bit nervous. The last revival, in 2014, was a musical episode. A musical. Del Boy sang about hooky gear. It was… brave. But the producers have learned. This time, it’s pure, classic sitcom storytelling.

Only Fools And Horses icon Sir David Jason, 83, set to return to

The biggest risk is nostalgia. Too much callbacks to “yuppy” “chandelier” or “mange tout” could feel like a tribute act. But the team is promising new jokes, new situations, and no reliance on cheap references.

They’ve even hired a new writer for the “younger” vibe: a woman named Sharon Horgan who helped with dialogue. She’s known for Catastrophe, so expect some brutally honest family arguments. And swearing. Probably more swearing.

When Can You Watch It? And Will It Be on DVD?

The BBC hasn’t given a firm date, but insiders say autumn 2026. Which is basically two years away. That’s enough time to grow a beard, learn French, or bankrupt your own market stall. I’m already counting the days like a prisoner marking a wall.

Will it be on DVD? Of course. They’ll release a special “Hooky Street” box set with a free pair of leather driving gloves and a magnum of cheap champagne. Pre-orders will break the internet.

Streaming? Yep, it’ll hit BritBox and iPlayer the same day. So you can watch Del and Rodders on your phone while hiding from your boss. Just don’t laugh too loud; you’ll get caught.

A Final, Ridiculous Prediction

I predict the final scene of the new series will involve Del Boy selling a painting that turns out to be a lost Van Gogh. He’ll be rich again. Then a seagull will poop on his head, and he’ll lose the money. It’s the circle of Peckham life.

Or maybe they’ll end it with Rodney finally getting the last word. A full, heartfelt speech about family. Then Del will say, “You plonker,” and they’ll drive off in the Reliant Robin, now fitted with a hybrid engine. Lovely jubbly.

Whatever happens, I’m in. I’m bringing my own bag of peanuts and a bottle of Babycham. Because some things are worth waiting for. And some things are worth risking a really bad trip down memory lane for.