Only Fools and Horses: Banned Episode and Cast Guide

There are some TV shows that feel like old friends — and for millions of Britons, Only Fools and Horses is exactly that. But behind the beloved episodes lie a fascinating story: a banned episode that sat on a shelf for 20 years, a lead actor who skipped the reunion, and a cast of characters nearly played by a very different set of faces.

Original broadcast years: 1981–2003 ·
Number of series: 7 ·
Number of Christmas specials: 16 ·
Creator and writer: John Sullivan ·
Main characters: Del Boy and Rodney Trotter

Seven series, 16 Christmas specials, and countless catchphrases — the scope of Only Fools and Horses is hard to capture in a single set of numbers. Here’s a snapshot of the show’s core facts.

Why was there a banned episode of Only Fools and Horses?

The episode that fans most discuss but rarely see is “A Royal Flush”, produced in 1996 as part of the series’ sixth-era run (Wikipedia (episode chronology)). It was pulled from circulation after complaints that its portrayal of the Royal Family crossed a line — even for a show known for its cheeky humour.

What was the banned episode about?

• The plot involves the Trotter family attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace and staying at the royal residence
• The episode directly satirises the monarchy, a departure from the sitcom’s normal working-class street-level humour
• It was filmed before the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, but the BBC deemed it too sensitive to re-air in the wake of public sentiment shifts

Why was it considered too offensive?

Coverage from Virgin Radio (UK entertainment news) and LADbible (UK pop culture coverage) both point to the same core reason: the BBC was uncomfortable airing an episode that made fun of the Royal Family at a time when public sensitivity around the monarchy was high. Creator John Sullivan is said to have personally agreed with the decision not to re-air it in its original form.

How long was it withheld from broadcast?

The episode was effectively unavailable from 1996 until 2013 — a ban that lasted roughly 20 years (The Independent (UK news outlet, via social media)). In 2013, it was finally released digitally, though many point out it is still not regularly repeated on television in the way other episodes are.

The implication: The BBC’s decision to shelve the episode reflects the delicate balance between satire and public sentiment.

Why is Nicholas Lyndhurst not at the Only Fools reunion?

When cast reunions and documentaries began appearing in the 2010s and 2020s, one face was notably absent: Nicholas Lyndhurst, who played Rodney Trotter. His absence has sparked years of speculation.

Did Nicholas Lyndhurst have a falling out?

According to a 2019 report from The Independent (UK news outlet), Lyndhurst ruled out any involvement in a new revival. He has not publicly confirmed a falling out, but his consistent pattern of declining invitations suggests a deliberate distance.

What has he said about the reunion?

Lyndhurst has cited personal reasons and a desire to focus on other acting work. In 2025, Daily Express (UK tabloid) reported that the two actors had not appeared together on-screen since 2014, providing a concrete marker for how long the separation has lasted.

How did David Jason respond?

David Jason has remained diplomatic in public, expressing respect for Lyndhurst’s choices. No public feud has been confirmed between the two, though their friendship appears to have cooled in terms of professional collaboration.

The pattern: Lyndhurst’s continued absence from reunions underscores the personal distance that has grown between the two lead actors.

Where can I watch Only Fools and Horses?

If you’re ready for a rewatch, here’s the current state of play for streaming, broadcast, and physical media.

Is it on Netflix?

No. As of 2025, Only Fools and Horses is not available on Netflix in the UK or most other regions.

Is it on Prime Video?

Not permanently. The show has occasionally appeared on Prime Video in the UK via a BritBox subscription add-on, but it is not a standard Prime Video inclusion.

Can I watch it on ITV?

No. The show was a BBC production and is not carried by ITV’s broadcast channels.

Where is it available?

• ITVX (UK): All episodes are available to stream on ITVX, which has become the primary streaming home for the series
• DVD and Blu-ray: Complete box sets are available from major retailers
• BritBox: The show is included in BritBox’s catalogue in some regions
• BBC iPlayer: Episodes are occasionally added to iPlayer for special events, but are not permanently available

What this means: UK viewers have a straightforward option, while international fans must navigate limited availability.

Where did the saying ‘only fools and horses’ come from?

The show’s title is not just a catchy phrase — it has a real history behind it.

Is it an old proverb?

Yes. The phrase “only fools and horses work” is derived from an old British proverb suggesting that only those who are foolish or desperate enough would work for a living (Wikipedia (series introduction)).

What does it actually mean?

The proverb carries a dismissive attitude toward formal labour — the idea that a clever person finds a way to earn without working a conventional job. In the context of the show, it perfectly reflects the Trotter family’s get-rich-quick schemes and their disdain for regular employment.

How does it relate to the show?

John Sullivan chose the title to capture the essence of the Trotter family’s philosophy. Del Boy and Rodney are always looking for a shortcut, a deal, a scam — never a day job. The title is a thesis statement for the entire series.

The catch: The title encapsulates the Trotters’ get-rich-quick mentality, but also serves as an ironic commentary on their failures.

Who turned down the role of Del Boy?

It is almost impossible to imagine anyone other than David Jason as Derek “Del Boy” Trotter. But several other actors were approached before he got the part.

Which actors were offered the part?

• Ronnie Barker: The comedy legend was initially considered for the role but turned it down, reportedly feeling he was too old
• Jim Broadbent: The acclaimed actor was among those approached, but the timing did not work out
• Enn Reitel: A Scottish actor who was considered but ultimately not cast

Why did they turn it down?

Reasons varied. Barker felt the character was better suited to a younger actor. Others had prior commitments or simply did not feel the role was right for them.

How did David Jason eventually get it?

After an extensive search, creator John Sullivan turned to David Jason, who had already established himself in Open All Hours and The Darling Buds of May. Jason’s performance made the role iconic — and made it hard to believe anyone else was ever in the running.

The consequence: David Jason’s acceptance of the role became a defining moment in television history, leaving audiences to wonder how the show might have differed with a different actor.

Timeline: Key moments in the show’s history

The implication: the show’s cultural peak may have been the 1990s, but its controversies and cast dynamics keep it in the news decades later.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s still unclear

Quotes from the creators and cast

“John Sullivan is said to have personally banned one episode from release in its original state.”

— LADbible (UK pop culture coverage), reporting on the episode ban

“David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst had not appeared together on-screen since 2014.”

— Daily Express (UK tabloid), on the reunion timeline

“Nicholas Lyndhurst ruled out a new Only Fools and Horses TV revival.”

— The Independent (UK news outlet), 2019 report

“The episode ‘A Royal Flush’ was the Only Fools and Horses episode that ‘you can’t watch’.”

— Virgin Radio (UK entertainment news), on the banned episode

Only Fools and Horses remains one of Britain’s most beloved sitcoms, but its legacy is more complicated than reruns suggest. A banned episode, an absent actor, and a title rooted in an old proverb all add layers to a show that keeps generating conversation years after its last episode aired. For fans wanting to revisit the adventures of Del Boy and Rodney, the streaming options are clear — but the story of the banned episode and the actors’ evolving relationships is still unfolding.

For UK viewers weighing whether to subscribe to ITVX for the complete series, the math is simple: ITVX offers every episode plus the Christmas specials, making it the definitive streaming home. International fans face a tougher choice — DVD box sets or a BritBox subscription, with no guarantee of long-term streaming availability.

Frequently asked questions