Only Fools and Horses(Image: (Image: BBC))

Only Fools and Horses stars and where they are 20 years on

You may not even recognise some of them now

by · PlymouthLive

Only Fools and Horses, the much-loved British sitcom that starred Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst on BBC, is often cited as a cultural institution.

This peerless gem finished in 2003, much to the disappointment of its fans, catapulting Del Boy and Rodney to beloved stardom and etching the show into the annals of British television history with its endlessly quotable lines.

The series kicked off in 1981 with David playing the ever-optimistic Derek "Del Boy" Trotter, with narratives centered around his and his younger brother Rodney's ambitions to become "millionaires" while navigating the streets of Peckham with their sharp wits and dodgy deals, reports The Express.

It was the comical misadventures of Del Boy and his brother Rodders that captured viewers' imaginations, landing them repeatedly in hot water but always trying to come out on top.

From dodging the police over suspect goods, arriving at the incorrect funeral, to their romantic endeavours gone awry, Del Boy and Rodders delivered endless laughter to audiences up and down the country.

What about the other memorable characters who played vital roles throughout the series? Here's a look into where they are now and what they have been doing since the show's conclusion.

Patrick Murray - Mickey Pearce

Mickey Pearce was Rodney Trotter's best pal in the series(Image: (Image: BBC))

Patrick, now 66, portrayed Mickey Pearce, Rodney Trotter's best friend. Frequently hitting the dance floor together to woo women, the two buddies were inseparable.

Despite being one of the main characters' closest pals he only featured in 20 of the 64 episodes of the sitcom.

Following his role in the Peckham-set sitcom, Patrick continued his acting career with roles in 'Curse of the Pink Panther' and 'The Firm'. However, he eventually retired from acting and briefly worked as a cab driver in Kent.

(Image: ITV)

Patrick also had stints as a builder and a professional poker player. During an appearance on Loose Women in 2018, he revealed that he met his wife, Anong, in Thailand and they have a daughter named Josie.

Recently, he disclosed that he's been diagnosed with cancer for the second time and has undergone surgery to remove half of his liver. In May 2022, he shared that he had recovered from lung cancer, but is currently undergoing treatment for a second primary cancer.

Damien Trotter

Damien Trotter was the son of Del Boy and Raquel(Image: (Image: BBC))

The offspring of Del Boy and Raquel Turner, Damien Trotter, was introduced to audoences in the episode Three Men, A Woman And A Baby.

Damien was nicknamed the "devil child" by his Uncle Rodney, who harboured an almost supernatural dread of him. Ben Smith accounts for one of the gents who took on Damien's portrayal, steering the ship from 2001 to 2003.

His stint as Damien spanned across the much-loved Only Fools and Horses Christmas specials - titles including If They Could See Us Now, Strangers on the Shore, and Sleepless in Peckham.

Benjamin Smith who played Damien(Image: (Image: BBC))

Since the show ended, the actor, now 32, has appeared on a string of British TV staples, including Holby City, Silent Witness, Doctors, The Bill, Misfits, Casualty, and even popped up in Doctor Who's 2006 episode, School Reunion.

But thats not all - 2008 saw him join the cast of BBC One's EastEnders as Tegs Teague, a ringleader whose machinations stirred the pot in Albert Square with his gang E20.

In 2021, Ben was his most unrecognisable in the role of Robbie Lennox in BBC wartime drama Resistance, set during World War II.

Paul Barber - Denzil

(Image: (Image: BBC))

Paul portrayed the loveable lorry driver, Denzil Tulser in the comedy series. The laid-back character often fell prey to Del's get-rich-quick schemes, yet remained trusting of the Peckham-born rogue.

Now, some 20 years since the show ended, the Liverpudlian looks entirely different. At 70, he now sports grey hair and a beard. He was pictured sporting dreadlocks in 2002.

'Only Fools and Horses' Actor Paul Barber(Image: Daily Mirror)

After his stint in Only Fools and Horses, he grabbed a guest spot in the BBC's Tracy Beaker spin-off, The Dumping Ground, embodying the character of George, a homeless chap.

Later, he starred in 2014's One Night in Istanbul in the role of a taxi driver.

Daniel Peacock - Mental Mickey

Daniel Peacock as Mickey Maguire in Only Fools and Horses(Image: BBC)

Daniel, who portrayed Mental Mickey in the beloved BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, has had a significant career shift recently.

Despite appearing in only two episodes of the sitcom, the 64 year old TV star traded his acting career for a job at Hastings Court Care Home on the south coast.

With an acting career spanning over 40 years, including a role in the hit film Quadrophenia, Daniel transitioned into his new career three years ago while his father, Trevor Peacock, was suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's.

Daniel, who is best known for his role as Jim Trott in The Vicar of Dibley, was inspired to change careers after witnessing his father's experience in a care home. Trevor, who sadly passed away in March 2021, had been living with Alzheimer's disease.

"Because my dad had been in a residential home, tragically, with the most awful disease Alzheimers, it was the first time I came face to face with this terrible condition and I wasn't overly impressed with the care home," he revealed to MyLondon last year.

Upon arriving at Hastings Court, he found the environment more akin to a high-end hotel. Adding: "I started to inject some entertainment and conversation between the residents and bringing them all together."

Tessa Peake-Jones

(Image: (Image: Getty Images))

Tessa, best known for her role as Raquel Turner, Del Boy's love interest in the iconic sitcom Only Fools and Horses, has had a varied career. She was a regular on the show from 1988 to 1993, 1996, and then again from 2001 to 2003.

Post her Only Fools stint, Tessa made appearances in popular shows like Midsomer Murders, Casualty, Holby City, The Bill, Up the Garden Path and So Haunt Me.

In 2009 and 2011, she played Sue Bond in the BBC daytime soap opera Doctors, and also appeared in the Doctor Who Christmas episode in 2013.

(Image: Target Live)

Since 2014, she has been seen in Grantchester as Sylvia Maguire, the vicar's religious housekeeper. Tessa was with her partner Douglas Hodge for 27 years before they separated in February 2013. They have two children, Charlie and Molly-Rose.

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