For generations of viewers, Only Fools and Horses hasn’t just been a sitcom — it’s been part of family life. And now, 45 years after Del Boy first promised that “this time next year, we’ll be millionaires,” the beloved cast are coming back together for a celebration that fans have dreamed of for decades.
U&Gold has confirmed a special two-part documentary, Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive, bringing surviving cast members face-to-face with rediscovered moments from the show — including never-before-seen footage thought to be lost forever.
Sir David Jason returns as the heart of it all, joined by Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel), Gwyneth Strong (Cassandra) and Sue Holderness (Marlene), alongside supporting cast Steven Woodcock (Jevon) and Denis Lill (Alan Parry). Together, they watch long-forgotten clips, react with laughter and tears, and pay tribute to creator John Sullivan, whose writing shaped British comedy forever.
The documentary also features contributions from directors, editors, historians and superfans — all united by one thing: a love for a show that refuses to fade.
And the footage itself? A treasure trove.
Scenes from more than 10 classic episodes have been uncovered, digitally restored and scanned in high definition — allowing fans to see Only Fools and Horses in HD for the first time. Among them are moments from The Jolly Boys’ Outing, the iconic Christmas Day 1989 episode watched by over 20 million viewers, as Del, Rodney and the gang descended on Margate.
There are also newly discovered outtakes from Miami Twice, including chaotic scenes involving Barry Gibb, which reportedly cost production hours as Del and Rodney were sent endlessly up and down the river for the perfect shot.
Perhaps most astonishing is an entire unseen opening scene from Class of ’62, featuring Del and Rodney in a nightclub — footage many believed had been lost forever.
Other rediscovered gems come from Time On Our Hands, He’s My Uncle and He Ain’t Heavy, and Mother Nature’s Son, offering fans fresh glimpses into episodes they thought they knew by heart.
Reflecting on the reunion, Sir David Jason, now 85, said:
“The love for Only Fools has never faded. Revisiting these moments reminded me just how special the show was — and still is. It’s incredible to be able to share them now.”
UKTV’s Helen Nightingale echoed the sentiment, calling the series “part of the national DNA” — a rare comedy that blended humour, heart and unforgettable characters.
With the success of Only Fools and Horses: The Musical and a fanbase that spans generations, this anniversary feels less like a look back — and more like proof that the show never really left.
Because for millions of us, Only Fools and Horses isn’t just television.
It’s home.
