Only Fools and Horses has provided endless laughter over the years, but it's unlikely that anyone has ever lost their job due to finding it too funny. However, this is exactly what happened to a cameraman who couldn't contain his laughter during filming.
Sir David Jason once shared a story about an episode that was so amusing that they had to replace the cameraman because he couldn't stop laughing.
The Laughter-Inducing Episode
The incident occurred during the 1982 episode 'Ashes to Ashes', in which the Trotters' plan to scatter Trigger's grandfather's ashes in the River Thames was thwarted by a series of mishaps. One of these mishaps involved a street cleaning lorry accidentally sucking up the urn, prompting Rodney to yell at the driver, "You've just sucked up our urn."
The lorry driver responded apologetically, "Oh my God, what was he? A kitten? ". Sir David revealed that one of the cameramen was in hysterics and "couldn't control himself", even getting the shakes as he tried to suppress his laughter. They had to remove the cameraman and bring in a replacement to complete the shot, with Sir David joking that they would still be filming that scene "even now" if they hadn't brought in someone else.
The Enduring Popularity of Only Fools and Horses
Despite first being broadcast 25 years ago, Only Fools and Horses continues to hold a cherished spot in the nation's affections. A recent poll by The Sun revealed that the Christmas special episode, 'Heroes and Villains', was voted as the top TV show to watch during the festive season.
The Controversy Behind 'Heroes and Villains'
However, this much-loved episode wasn't without its fair share of controversy before it aired. Sir David disclosed that there was a dispute between the BBC's publicity and press department over whether a trailer should be released to give viewers a preview of what was to come. The episode sees Del Boy and Rodney dressed up as Batman and Robin, mistakenly believing they're going to a fancy dress competition with a £1,000 speaker system as the prize. Their misunderstanding becomes clear when they arrive as the only ones in costume, realising that the event organiser had died and the gathering was actually a wake.
In his memoir, 'A Del Of A Life', Sir David voiced his opinion that unveiling the duo's costumes in the trailer would have ruined the episode by shattering the carefully constructed suspense. "Even a glimpse of Del or Rodney in those stupid costumes before the episode was broadcast, indeed at any moment...would have been ruinous," he wrote. The actors' clout ensured they could demand of the BBC that "nothing showing Del and Rodney in those outfits" be leaked ahead of time.
A Legacy of Laughter
The legendary series first graced our screens in 1981, and during its remarkable 22-year tenure, it delivered 64 episodes all of which can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
