As Only Fools And Horses approaches its 45th anniversary, one of its most beloved stars has lifted the curtain on a surprising truth: filming the iconic comedy was anything but a laughing matter.
Actress Tessa Peake-Jones, now 68, who famously played Del Boy’s wife Raquel, has admitted the pressure behind the scenes was intense — marked by gruelling rehearsals, mounting nerves and the fear of ruining a perfectly timed laugh.
Speaking ahead of a new two-part U&Gold documentary, Only Fools And Horses: The Lost Archive, Tessa reflected on the emotional toll of performing the nation’s favourite sitcom in front of a live studio audience.
The upcoming documentary will reunite former cast members for fresh interviews and unveil never-before-seen clips, offering fans a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the comedy classic that first aired in 1981.
‘By the Time We Filmed, It Wasn’t Funny Anymore’
Despite decades of viewers laughing along at home, Tessa revealed that by filming day, the humour often felt far from spontaneous.
She admitted:
“Usually you’ve seen it all in rehearsals so many times, it’s not that funny anymore anyway.”
And when it came to facing the studio audience, even the show’s biggest stars weren’t immune to nerves.
“If people had seen us backstage before the show,” she said, “they’d have seen people pacing up and down the corridors with nerves — including David and Nick.”
Comedy Legends Felt the Pressure Too
Tessa revealed that comedy icons Sir David Jason, who played Del Boy, and Nicholas Lyndhurst, who portrayed Rodney, were just as anxious as the rest of the cast.
She told The Sun:
“We cared so much, and we wanted to get it right. But one slip-up of a word could ruin that laugh.”
The fear of missing a beat or misplacing a line was constant — a stark contrast to the effortless humour viewers saw on screen.
A Legacy That Refuses to Fade
Previously discussing the new documentary, Sir David Jason, now 86, reflected on the enduring power of the series.
He said:
“The love for Only Fools has never faded. It’s incredible how many people still hold it close to their hearts.”
“Revisiting these rediscovered moments reminded me just how special the show was — and still is. It’s incredible to be able to share them now.”
UKTV’s Head of Factual and Factual Entertainment, Helen Nightingale, echoed the sentiment, calling the sitcom “part of the national DNA.”
“With its humour, heart and unforgettable characters, it’s British comedy at its very best,” she said.
“This series is a celebration of its legacy and a chance to share new discoveries with fans who’ve loved it for decades.”
Still Going Strong, Decades On
The show’s cultural impact continues to resonate. Only Fools And Horses: The Musical opened in February 2019 and ran for four successful years, drawing praise from critics, fans and original cast members alike.
Co-written by Paul Whitehouse and Jim Sullivan, son of creator John Sullivan, the musical fulfilled a long-held dream of bringing the beloved sitcom to the West End.
As the 45th anniversary approaches, Tessa’s candid reflections offer fans a fresh perspective on a show remembered for laughter — but forged under pressure.
