DAVID Jason has a secret older brother who is also an actor – but do you know who it is?
The actor, 85, has starred in beloved shows including Only Fools and Horses and Open All Hours.
Sir David Jason has starred in several beloved TV programmes[/caption]
Only Fools and Horses is among his most-well known[/caption]
David is not the only actor in his family[/caption]
But what people might not know is he was actually born David White and his brother Arthur is also an actor with a long portfolio of work.
Arthur appeared opposite his real-life sibling in ITV crime drama A Touch of Frost.
It featured David in the title role, while Arthur played police archivist PC Ernie Trigg, in 27 episodes spanning from 1994 up until 2010.
He went on to appear with his brother in Darling Buds of May and The Colour of Magic.
Arthur also worked with David’s on-screen brother Nicholas Lyndhurst in an episode of Good Night Sweetheart.
Speaking previously to The Guardian, David revealed it was Arthur who helped him get his start in acting.
He would later return the favour by getting him a gig on A Touch of Frost.
The actor said: “It was Arthur who helped secure my first big break in the theatre and life came full circle when I recommended him for a part in [A Touch of] Frost – and he went on to appear in 27 episodes. It was great having him around.”
Continuing, David added: “[He] was the first in the family to take up acting.
“Returning home from National Service, he declared that he fancied being a thespian and duly won a scholarship to Rada.
“I can remember the family crowding round excitedly at home to listen to his debut appearance in the long-running BBC radio drama serial Mrs Dale’s Diary.”
It was revealed last year how David almost walked away from Only Fools during its run.
By 1986, Only Fools and Horses had already been on the air for five years and apparently David was starting to think that he should explore other career options.
Whilst discussions were ongoing it led writer John Sullivan to pen a potential final episode of the series called ‘Who wants to be a millionaire’.
The episode did air that year but it could have ended very differently. The storyline saw a character called Jumbo Mills returning to Peckham from Australia.
Supposedly, he made his fortune on the other side of the world and had crossed paths with Del after doing a deal with Boycie, played by John Challis.
The initial idea was that Jumbo would tempt Del Boy to join him on his return to Australia to see if he could also make his millions out there.
Only Fools and Horses’ most memorable episodes
The beloved sitcom only aired for seven series but is still adored to this date – here are fans’ most memorable scenes from the BBC hit…
- Jolly Boys’ Outing – The humorous episode was filled with disaster and also romance. It saw Del Boy, Rodney and Grandad leave Peckham for a day trip to Margate. However, their coach explodes, Rodney is arrested and Del Boy reunites with Raquel.
- Time on their Hands – The episode sees the Trotters reflect on their life in South London after finally becoming millionaires. Airing in 1996, it pulled in an incredible 24million viewers.
- A Touch of Glass – This unforgettable episode sees Del Boy and his chandelier cleaning service. In hilarious scenes, he and Rodney accidentally drop a chandelier, sending it crashing to the floor.
- Stage Fright – Raquel performs with Tony Angelino while pregnant to perform a duet – but she’s unaware he has a speech impediment.
- Yuppy Love – Derek attempts to transform himself into a high-flyer, wearing a stripped shirt and red braces. It also sees Del fall through the bar, while Rodney meets Cassandra for the first time.
- Mother Nature’s Son – Del Boy inherits an allotment from his grandad, but it’s contaminated by a yellow substance. The Peckham Spring Water business is then born – but it’s actually just tap water from Nelson Mandela House.
- Heroes and Villains – Del Boy and Rodney dress up as Batman and Robin for Harry Malcolm’s party. However, Boycie forgot to mention Harry died, and it had become a wake!
- To Hull and Back – Del Boy is convinced to smuggle diamonds from The Netherlands. PC Roy Slater intercepts them before he’s later arrested for corruption. It ends with Del throwing his £15k over the balcony thinking it was fake – when it was in fact real!
- The Russians are Coming – The threat of nuclear war looms over Peckham so the Trotters decide to batten down the hatches. They build a DIY war shelter – on the top of Mandela House.
- The Unlucky Winner Is – Rodney wins a holiday abroad after Del Boy entered him into a painting competition. However, when he lands in Spain Rodney discovers it’s a prize for children and must pretend he’s a 14-year-old child.
It would have given David an opportunity to leave the show and would have reportedly paved the way for the series to continue with a new life without him.
Writing online, fans were largely relieved to hear that the alternative direction for the classic was averted.
One said: “I never knew this. I’m glad he stayed as some of the best episodes came after this one.”
Another commented in disbelief: “Love that story that David Jason was ready to leave but changed his mind, so they rewrote the ending of that episode. Imagine it ending after that episode.”
David as Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost[/caption]
