Tessa Peake-Jones, best known for her role as Raquel in Only Fools and Horses, has opened up about the way comedy has evolved over the years. The 68-year-old actress shared her views with i newspaper, admitting that she feels much of today’s comedy has become “cruel” and no longer carries the warmth that made her hit BBC sitcom so iconic.
In her interview, Tessa praised the late John Sullivan, the writer of Only Fools and Horses, for giving the show its heart, explaining that the series’ enduring popularity stemmed from its sincerity. She argued that modern comedy often focuses on mocking others, which she finds less amusing and more harsh. “Some of today’s comedy seems to be at the expense of others,” she said, “and it can feel cruel, in a way I don’t find funny personally.”
Tessa also reflected on her personal life, particularly her experiences becoming single later in life after her 2013 divorce from Douglas Hodge, her husband of 29 years. She discussed the challenges of adjusting to life on her own but also acknowledged how liberating it can be. “In your later years, you really come to appreciate time on your own, for your own thoughts, without the need to compromise or worry about anyone else,” she shared.
Despite the challenges she faced in her personal life, Tessa has come to value the space for self-reflection. She also emphasized how it’s possible to find peace and personal growth even after difficult life transitions.
Looking back at her time on Only Fools and Horses, Tessa spoke about the stress of performing in front of a live studio audience, revealing that even seasoned actors like David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst were nervous backstage before each performance. “We all cared so much, and one slip-up could ruin the moment,” Tessa recalled, admitting that rehearsals often didn’t make the jokes as funny by the time they were performed in front of an audience.
Tessa also acknowledged the continuing love and admiration for Only Fools and Horses, noting that the series still attracts new viewers, particularly teenagers discovering it for the first time. She attributed its success to its heart and sincerity, qualities that she feels are lacking in much of today’s comedy.
As Only Fools and Horses celebrates its enduring legacy, Tessa’s reflections remind us how much comedy has changed, and how deeply it can impact our emotional connections and perceptions of humor.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
