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Del Boy Role Turned Down by Star
24 Jan
Summary
- Jim Broadbent was initially considered for Del Boy.
- He declined the role due to a West End theatre commitment.
- Broadbent regrets not being part of the show's success.
Jim Broadbent, renowned for his roles in Harry Potter and Paddington, was a strong contender for the part of Del Boy Trotter in the beloved British sitcom Only Fools and Horses. He revealed in 2022 that he was producers' second choice after Enn Reitel, but declined the offer due to a prior commitment to a West End show.
Broadbent later reflected that the show's immense success might not have materialized with him as Del Boy. He suggested that if he had taken the role, he likely would have only stayed for three series. He humorously stated that his biggest contribution to British culture was not accepting the part.
Despite not starring as Del Boy, Broadbent did feature in three episodes of Only Fools and Horses as the corrupt police officer DCI Roy Slater. He noted that this role is still what most fans recognize him for, even years later. David Jason, who ultimately played Del Boy, also shared his own amusing audition story, recalling that producers initially thought he was up for the Grandad role due to his previous comedic parts.
