Manchester was buzzing on Saturday as Sir David Jason stepped out of his hotel to a throng of enthusiastic fans.
The legendary actor, 85, greeted everyone with smiles, paused for selfies, and even admired a doll of his iconic Only Fools and Horses character, Del Boy.
Dressed smartly in a shirt and beige trousers, Sir David was on his way to The Lowry Theatre for An Evening with Sir David Jason.
An Evening of Stories, Laughter, and Memories
The event promised “fun, laughter, and never-before-heard stories,” giving the star an opportunity to reflect on his decades-long career and his lasting impact on British television.
Tickets ranged from £48 to £93, and fans eagerly snapped them up to hear the stories behind some of Britain’s most beloved shows.
From Crossroads to Del Boy: A Career Spanning Almost Six Decades
Sir David’s acting journey began in the 1960s with Crossroads, but it was his role as Derek “Del Boy” Trotter in Only Fools and Horses that cemented him as a national treasure.
The sitcom, which debuted in 1981, followed the escapades of two market-trading brothers in southeast London.
Sir David stayed with the character until 2002, after Del Boy and his son finally became millionaires in the show’s finale.
Now celebrating nearly 60 years in the spotlight, the actor continues to captivate audiences with his charm and wit.
A Glimpse of Sir David’s Playful Side on BBC Breakfast
Before his Manchester appearance, Sir David joined BBC Breakfast hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty for a lively interview.
Charlie couldn’t help but highlight the actor’s “outrageous” backstage behavior, noting how he made a memorable entrance into the studio.
“Well, it’s just that I like to feel comfortable but I also like to make the people you’re with comfortable,” Sir David laughed.
“The great thing is really to be a little bit outrageous, so everybody is put at ease, it’s a bit of fun.
You know, I said good morning to the camera, and nobody but the camera was there. The camera seemed to like it.”
Reflecting on Iconic Roles and Studio Life
During the interview, Sir David also shared insights about his shift from theatre roots to studio filming, and reminisced about some of the most memorable scenes from Only Fools and Horses.
Created by the late John Sullivan, the show instantly became a beloved fixture on British television, with Nicholas Lyndhurst playing his on-screen brother Rodney.
Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the hearts of fans, Sir David Jason remains one of the most enduring figures in British entertainment, proving that decades of dedication and a little bit of charm can create an unforgettable legacy.