To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Only Fools and Horses today, U&GOLD has released a sneak peek of never seen before footage from the iconic The Jolly Boys’ Outing episode. Following the release of previously unseen images when the documentary Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive was first announced, fans are now being given their first look at some of the tantalising archive footage itself ahead of the two-part documentary series launching in October.
Created by John Sullivan, Only Fools and Horses remains one of the most loved shows in television history, and still adored by fans today, with its regular home on U&GOLD. First broadcast as the 1989 Christmas special, The Jolly Boys’ Outing follows Del Boy, Rodney and the Nag’s Head regulars on their annual coach trip to Margate, where the day soon descends into classic Trotter chaos. The special remains one of the most loved episodes in British television history. The unearthed long-lost footage gives audiences a first look at scenes that did not make the original cut, offering a fuller picture of John Sullivan’s vision behind one of the series’ most beloved episodes.
This brand new exciting series features an incredible mix of never before broadcast scenes, studio rushes, newly discovered outtakes and location recordings. Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive also features new interviews with cast members, Sir David Jason, Tessa Peake Jones, Gwyneth Strong, Sue Holderness, Steven Woodcock and Denis Lill, as well as director Tony Dow, editor Chris Wadsworth, comedy archive specialist Richard Latto, Lovely Jubbly co author Mike Jones and Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society chairman Perry Aghajanoff.
“I think the audience will find this very exciting and very interesting. I certainly did. A lot of bits of film that have never been seen before by anyone, except those who recorded it, so it’s coming out fresh. I’ve really enjoyed seeing it all” says Sir David Jason.
The series is co-produced by North One and Shazam Productions. Sean Doherty is Series Producer and Director, with John Quinn and Amy Sullivan as Executive Producers. It was commissioned for UKTV by Helen Nightingale, Head of Factual and Factual Entertainment, Commissioning, and ordered by Emma Tibbetts, Director of Programming, Scripted, and Hilary Rosen, Director of Commissioning.
Only Fools and Horses was a ratings powerhouse, with Time on Our Hands attracting 24.3 million viewers - a record that still stands. Its legacy has inspired a hit West End musical, spin-offs, merchandise, and fan experiences - proving its lasting cultural impact. As the show turns 45, Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive celebrates its enduring appeal and the timeless humour that made it a household favourite.
Watch the unseen footage below
