Lost Only Fools and Horses scripts reveal unseen Del Boy gags
Long-lost Only Fools and Horses scripts have been discovered ahead of a Bristol auction, revealing deleted jokes from the iconic 1996 Christmas trilogy.
A treasure trove of long-lost Only Fools and Horses scripts has been unearthed, revealing a series of previously unseen jokes and cut dialogue from the sitcom's iconic 1996 Christmas trilogy.
The historic documents, penned by the late comedy genius John Sullivan, are set to go under the hammer at Bristol-based Auctioneum Ltd during a highly anticipated British Comedy Auction on June 29.
Saved by a former production crew member, the rare papers give a rare insight into the creative process and are expected to fetch up to £2,000.
Among the most exciting discoveries is a deleted line from Time On Our Hands' legendary Sotheby’s auction scene, which saw Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter (Sir David Jason) and Rodney Trotter (Nicholas Lyndhurst) finally land their fortune.
As the priceless Harrison pocket watch is held up for the crowd, Del was originally meant to whisper to his brother: “They’ve cleaned it with a bit of Brasso.”
The working-class quip never made the final edit for the famous television special, which was watched by a record-breaking 24.3 million viewers.
The scripts also feature extended dialogue with the brothers' wealthy rival, Boycie (John Challis), when Rodney goes to buy a new Rolls-Royce, also in Time On Our Hands.
While the broadcast version shows Boycie laughing until he sees the £6.2 million cheque, the new script reveals a smug follow-up from Rodney, who tells him: “Six million. We were hoping for more, but the market’s a bit depressed.”
A stunned Boycie then responds: “Sit down – please," before opening a cocktail cabinet to offer Rodney a drink, prompting Rodney to reply: “Triffic.”
Further comedy gems include an alternative ending to the famous Batman and Robin mugger scene from Heroes and Villains, extra gags about their three-wheeled van, and deleted banter from the episode Modern Men.
In the cut footage, Rodney attempts to explain medical birth control to his confused brother, asking: “What about a cap?” When Del questions him, Rodney clarifies: “I don’t mean go to bed in a beret, I mean a medical sort of… thing.”
First airing in 1981, the legendary British sitcom Only Fools and Horses ran for seven full seasons alongside a celebrated run of Christmas specials before concluding in 2003.
The classic comedy followed the chaotic lives of working-class Peckham market traders Del Boy and Rodney Trotter as they operated from their high-rise council flat.
The brothers spent decades chasing ridiculous, visual get-rich-quick schemes, forever coining the immortal catchphrase "this time next year, we'll be millionaires!"
Andy Stowe, who is selling the scripts at auction, told The Sun: “It’s the final joke made by Del before he becomes a millionaire, and perfectly epitomises the humour of the show.
“To think a prestigious auction house like Sotheby’s would use a ‘bit of Brasso.'"
