Sir David Jason, who is best known for playing Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses, has faced a number of health battles in recent years, including a severe bout of Covid-19
Sir David Jason is set to appear at the British Soap Awards tonight. The veteran actor famed for portraying the iconic Derek “Del Boy” Trotter in Only Fools and Horses was on hand to hand out a coveted gong at the ceremony.
Despite his robust appearance onscreen, the beloved 85 year old has faced health issues but made a triumphant return to television hosting David and Jay’s Touring Toolshed alongside The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades. Following surgery that prompted worry from his dedicated fanbase, Sir David is back in his element.
The actor was honoured with a knighthood in 2005, recognising his sterling service to acting and comedy. Behind his successful public persona lies a history of personal health battles.
He was forced to delay an Only Fools And Horses fan convention in 2023 due to necessary surgery with a light-hearted announcement proclaiming: “I am so very sorry for the disappointment and all the inconvenience it may cause but we are having to change the date of the forthcoming Only Fools and Horses Convention.
“Unfortunately I have just been advised I need a new bionic body part fitted. I won’t tell you which part it is, or you will all want one! And don’t worry it’s not being supplied by Monkey Harris, it’ll be the pukka gear.”
David took to social media with a video clip showing him chucking his crutches aside, demonstrating his regained agility. When chatting with Lorraine, Sir David opened up about the challenges in muscle recovery.
He said: “I’m having a little trouble getting the muscles back because I was so infirm for two or three weeks as it were.
“I wasn’t using the legs at all so that’s where I’m at now,” he confessed but remained optimistic by saying, “I’m getting it back. I’m doing some exercises and working on it – but the hip itself is wonderful.”
In 2023, the respected actor faced a tough battle with Covid-19, which he termed as “seriously bad”.
He recollected a particularly threatening incident where he collapsed from muscle weakness, resorting to crawling on all fours owing to the virus’s crippling hold.
On BBC Breakfast, he disclosed: “I crawled towards the bed… I used the bed as support in my attempts to rise and move where I needed to go, including getting back into bed, but I couldn’t.
“I struggled for approximately fifteen minutes, trying various techniques to stand up and walk around.”
In a lighter moment, he humorously recounted dragging his head across the floor to the door, resulting in carpet burns – a peculiar combo of injuries that had the ‘Open All Hours’ star claim he was possibly the “first person to experience Covid and carpet burns simultaneously.”
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