Sir David Jason has revealed he is ‘trying desperately’ to be cast in roles.
The 84-year-old actor is best known for playing Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter in the BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, which ran from 1981 until 1991.
After airing 16 Christmas specials as well, the show eventually ended in 2003.
Sir David also starred as Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost, Granville in Open All Hours and Still Open All Hours, and Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May, as well as voicing several cartoon characters including Mr. Toad in The Wind in the Willows, the BFG in the 1989 film, and the title characters of Danger Mouse and Count Duckula.
However, despite his experience, Sir David has admitted there’s been a lack of opportunities for not only himself, but other older actors.
As his 85th birthday approaches, the actor is intending to keep working for as long as his mind and body allows, but is having trouble securing work.
‘I’m trying desperately to convince producers and directors that I’ve got many characters still left to play,’ he said.
‘Senior actors have got a tremendous amount to offer,’ he added when speaking to the Radio Times.
Sir David’s latest screen role was co-presenting a BBC series titled David & Jay’s Touring Toolshed alongside The Repair Shop star Jay Blades.
Blades has since been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour against his wife, which he has denied and is set to face a trial before a Crown Court jury.
Sir David confirmed there wouldn’t be a follow-up series, adding that he was ‘open to offers’ for new TV projects.
Despite not appearing as Del Boy in over 20 years, Sir David said he still felt the ‘ghost’ of the character.
However he did say his ‘biggest reward has been having such a fulfilling career for so many years’.
Last month Sir David revealed despite his numerous accolades, he still had one acting regret.
‘My real disappointment or regret was that I always wanted to be a National Theatre player,’ he said during an interview on BBC Breakfast.
More Trending
‘I always wanted to be on the stage of the National Theatre.
‘It was just that romantic image of playing in those big productions, with those big, wonderful actors. That never happened.’
The actor added that it may be too late for him, saying he doesn’t think his memory would be ‘good enough’ now.
Hot Property Picks from Metro
After winning a £4,500,000 dream home, a rocket went off in my life
What I Rent: I pay £2,400 per month for my compact Battersea one-bed — now I'm upsizing
The tiny UK city where almost 50% of people have no mortgage
The £15,000,000 palace with ‘curse’ so bad, no one wants to buy it
London suburb 'only a mother would love' crowned city's most affordable
Only Fools and Horses is streaming on ITVX.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE: The new NA-KD collection is a 90s New York fashion dream – here’s what we’re shopping
MORE: Britain’s ‘top building of 1996’ to be flattened
MORE: Samurai sword-wielding man arrested outside Parliament ‘wanted to meet Boris Johnson’
![This image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 19:00 Monday 11th November 2024 From ITV I???m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here SR24: on ITV1 & ITVX Pictured: Tulisa, Collen, Barry, Danny, Melvin, Oti, Alan, Jane,GK Barry & Dean This photograph is (C) ITV Plc and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: michael.taiwo1@itv.com I'm A Celebrity get me Out of here](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/SEI_229200927-b120.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=320&h=180&crop=1)
