Only Fools and Horses star David Jason says he is still ‘desperately’ looking for acting work aged 84

Sir David Jason, one of Britain’s most beloved actors, has shared that he is “desperately” trying to land new acting roles in his 80s.

The 84-year-old actor is most famous for playing Derek Trotter, aka Del Boy, in the classic BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses.

The Only Fools star revealed he is “trying desperately” to get cast in new roles, saying that senior actors like him have “a tremendous amount to offer.”

In a chat with Radio Times, he explained, “I’m trying desperately to convince producers and directors that I’ve got many characters still left to play.”

“Senior actors have got a tremendous amount to offer.”

Jason’s most recent TV role was co-presenting the BBC series David & Jay’s Touring Toolshed with The Repair Shop star Jay Blades.

 In September, Blades was charged with engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour, which he denies. He will face trial before a Crown Court jury.

Jason has confirmed that there won’t be any more episodes of the show with Blades and mentioned that he is “open to offers” for new TV projects.

Jason shared that he sometimes feels like Del Boy follows him around like a “ghost,” admitting that the role “upsets” him a bit because it’s the “only thing people remember me for.”

Even though he hasn’t played Del Boy since 2003, the veteran actor says the character still has a strong presence in his life.

He added, “You walk around with the ghost of Del Boy on your shoulder or behind you, peering over your shoulder saying, ‘Go on. Tell her Bonjour.’”

Beyond that iconic role, he’s also played Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost, Granville in Open All Hours, and Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May.

Additionally, he has lent his voice to beloved children’s characters, like Mr. Toad in The Wind in the Willows, the BFG in the 1989 animated film, and Danger Mouse.