Sir David Jason, the beloved actor renowned for his roles in classics like Only Fools and Horses and A Touch of Frost, recently shared his thoughts on the current state of television.
During an appearance on the Plot Twist podcast, the 84-year-old expressed concern over the prevalence of swearing and vulgar language in today’s shows, highlighting a stark contrast to the standards of earlier eras.
A Nod to the Past
Reflecting on his time as the iconic Del Boy, David recalled how writer John Sullivan cleverly crafted the character’s witty insults to navigate the BBC’s decency guidelines.
Terms like “plonker,” “wally,” and “dipstick” became beloved catchphrases, allowing the show to maintain a sense of humor without crossing lines of decency.
He believes that modern shows would benefit from revisiting those guidelines to rein in the excessive use of profanity.
David discovered an old rule book from 1947, which laid out what was considered inappropriate for writers and actors.
He mused, “Blimey, if they were around today! We’ve gone the other way. The rationale now seems to be that using expletives is acceptable, even for working-class characters.”
He pointed out that while swearing may have historical roots, it shouldn’t dominate everyday conversation.
Manners Matter
The actor articulated that the shift toward accepting vulgar language has led to a decline in manners and respect among individuals.
He argued that the earlier restrictions were essential in fostering a certain decorum that seems lost today.
“If you tried to follow that rule book now, you wouldn’t have a show at all. We’ve strayed too far from those guidelines,” he lamented.
During the discussion, David emphasized that the original rules prohibited certain topics, including religion, for fear of offending audiences.
He believes that reintroducing these standards could improve the quality of programming.
Turning Down the Spotlight
In addition to his views on language, David revealed he declined an offer to participate in Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, humorously attributing his decision to his “two left feet.”
He acknowledged that it might have been a loss for viewers, but he seemed content with his choice.
Speaking Out on Industry Behavior
On a recent segment of This Morning, David didn’t hold back when discussing the behavior of some of his peers in the entertainment industry.
He criticized stars who prioritize their own fame over their colleagues, describing them as “selfish and rude.”
While he didn’t name names, he made it clear that such attitudes do not contribute to a healthy working environment.
A Tribute to Ronnie Barker
David also took a moment to reflect on his late friend Ronnie Barker, sharing a touching memory on The Chris Moyles Show.
He spoke highly of Ronnie, describing him as generous and respectful of everyone involved in their productions.
David noted how important it is to uplift the entire team for a show’s success.
In contrast, he pointed out that some Hollywood stars can be “extremely difficult” to work with, reinforcing the value of camaraderie and respect in the industry.
As David Jason continues to shine a light on both the positive and negative aspects of the entertainment world, his insights remind us of the importance of respect and propriety, even in a rapidly changing media landscape.
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