David Jason's health battles ahead of Soap Awards - Covid collapse to surgery
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."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Courier
5 hours ago
- The Courier
How 'chilled out' alpacas are making 'wedding dreams come true' in Angus, Perthshire and Fife
Never mind horses and carriages – adorable alpacas are the hottest wedding trend for 2025. The fluffy friends are increasingly joining couples on their big day as they look for quirky, unique ways to celebrate. When Newtyle lovebirds Katie and Michael Donnelly were planning their wedding at Forbes of Kingennie near Dundee, they knew they wanted something extra special. Katie, 35, had become a fan of alpacas a few years earlier, having enjoyed frequent trips to see them at Balnuith Farm near Tealing. 'I thought they were so cute and friendly,' said Katie. 'When we were thinking what to do for our wedding, the penny sort of dropped. 'I just knew it would be amazing to have alpacas there on our big day – although I'm not sure Michael was convinced, initially!' Katie, a mental health nurse at Kingsway Care Centre in Dundee, got in contact with David's Hill Alpacas near St Vigeans, to see if she could hire two of the animals. 'I knew they visited care homes and were hired for birthday parties, so I was delighted they could take two to our wedding,' she said. 'They were so calm and chilled out, which was exactly what we wanted. 'And even when the piper came out and started playing the bagpipes they didn't bat an eyelid! They were completely oblivious!' The alpacas that the owners of David's Hill took along – Forever and Lily – were chosen for their easy-going natures. They were impeccably turned out – both sported smart, colour-coordinated bow ties. Katie said Michael, 32, an agricultural salesman, didn't quite believe it when he spotted the animals for the first time. 'He got quite a surprise! He looked at me in disbelief!' she said. 'We had the wedding ceremony and when we came outside, the alpacas were there, waiting for us. 'They stood so calmly while we got photos with them, and fed them wee bags of food. 'We then took them on a little walk down to a bridge near a pond, and into woodland. 'It was just fantastic – the icing on the cake for our wedding in October.' Katie said she wanted something 'unusual' for her big day – and was drawn to alpacas believing they would bring joy to guests. 'Everyone loved them – especially the kids,' she said. 'There were a lot of laughs and smiles.' Jayne Yule is the owner of David's Hill Alpacas. She chose Lily and Forever because they were the best behaved. 'We've got nine alpacas and they've all got individual personalities,' she said. 'Lily and Forever are the best of friends and they're so chilled out. 'Some alpacas spit, but Lily and Forever never do. They're just such an easy pair. 'People love to pet them and hold them on their leads for photos. 'And because alpacas like people's faces, they'll sometimes come up for a 'kiss'.' Jayne's alpacas are booked for three weddings in 2025 but she expects they'll attend more. 'We've been doing treks and care home visits for eight years but weddings have become more popular over the last three,' she added. David's Hill charge £500 for two alpacas for 90 minutes at a wedding. Another couple who invited alpacas to their wedding was Gregor and Karen Stuart of Aberuthven in Perthshire. Gregor, a bridge engineer, and Karen, a nurse at St Margaret's Community Hospital in Auchterarder, both 29, had three of the creatures when they tied the knot. 'It was my mum's idea!' revealed Gregor. 'She thought it would be nice if the wedding – at Alexander House in Auchterarder – was a little quirky and different. 'There's always a bit of down time for guests between the wedding ceremony, the meal and photos. 'Initially we thought about maybe getting some sort of entertainer like a magician, but then my mum came up with alpacas! 'The company, Caledonia Alpacas, based at Banknock in Stirlingshire, seemed great, and the owner was super at keeping in touch. 'She asked our colour scheme, which was green and purple, and decorated the alpacas to match. 'They had flowers and foliage round their necks, and we were able to lead them around the huge lawns in front of the house. 'Guests loved interacting with and petting the alpacas and everyone was up for posing in photos with them.' Gregor said the trio of alpacas – Valentino, Chance and Eddie – were 'really friendly' – and recommends would-be brides and grooms consider hiring some for their big day. He was impressed that they were kept clean – and that Jen ensured they 'did their business' discreetly and well out of sight. 'They certainly made it a day to remember for our wedding in August 2021,' he said. 'They created a lot of laughs and smiles. So I'd say alpacas are a brilliant form of wedding entertainment!' Jen Pitcairn, who runs Caledonia Alpacas, said the company offers two 'alpa-ckages'. 'We normally bring the alpacas for the section between the ceremony and the main reception although the beginning of the evening reception is also requested.' 'Guests can feed them, walk them, take photos and so on. 'We have them on leads and headcollars walking amongst the guests. They are certainly a talking point!' It's £650 for a two-hour session with three alpacas and two handlers. This includes paper bags of treats, and bow ties to match the bride and groom's colour scheme. Or if you fancy paying £800, you get four alpacas for two-and-a-half hours, with two or maybe three handlers. This includes jute or organza bags of treats, a petting pen if required, matching bow ties or flower garlands, and short walks for guests around the grounds. You can also choose bespoke options, upgrades on treat bags, and alcapa-themed favours or bridesmaid gifts. Alpacas were a big hit at the wedding of former St Andrews University students Eilidh Dickson and Sandy Bendall, both 31. The couple, who both work in the environmental sector, got married at Falside Mill, Kingsbarns, in July 2021. 'My family hired alpacas from Bowbridge Alpacas as a surprise for Sandy and I, as we are both animal lovers,' said Eilidh. 'After our ceremony at St Salvator's in St Andrews, it was amazing to be greeted by the alpacas as we arrived at Falside Mill. 'They were something different and added to our relaxed and fun vibe. 'We had our photographs taken with the alpacas but I had to watch my bouquet! 'They were a big hit with the guests, particularly my two nieces, and people are still talking about them a few years later.'
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
EastEnders cast had no idea about big return until it aired - and one star cried
EastEnders legend and Doctor Who favourite Anita Dobson has shared the challenge of keeping her soap comeback as Angie Watts a secret from her close friends, and why she agreed to return Soap legend Anita Dobson didn't immediately agree to her EastEnders comeback in February, in an incredible soap moment that has now won her her first British Soap Award. The Angie Watts star, who recently proved a hit in Doctor Who as Mrs Flood AKA a new incarnation of the Rani, had to really think about the genius comeback that left viewers, and cast members, reeling. It was kept top secret with late character Angie appearing in the 40th anniversary episodes. Very few people knew it was happening until it aired during the BBC soap's big week a few months back. Even Anita's co-stars and close friends, including Kathy Beale actress Gillian Taylforth, were kept out of the loop. They didn't know until they saw the scene that Anita was back as Angie for the first time in decades, and years after she was killed off offscreen. Gillian confessed she was left emotional watching Angie return to the show to save her dying daughter Sharon Watts, who had been injured in The Queen Vic explosion. The moment left viewers with goosebumps as Angie urged her daughter to fight and stay alive, there for her in her time of need. But this wasn't the first time Anita had been asked to reprise the role. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror at the British Soap Awards, Anita revealed how she'd been asked before but it never felt right. This time around, Anita gave it some consideration and the rest is history. She spilled: "I did have to think about it. I wasn't sure because they'd asked me to come back a couple of times before and it never seemed quite right but I do think it's divine." But Anita confessed it was so hard to keep it a secret, filming the scenes two months earlier with barely anyone knowing. Anita said: "It was very difficult. We filmed it before Christmas. Gillian [Taylforth] didn't even know. I had to keep it a secret until February, that was a challenge. but it was worth it. The reaction was so good." It's then that Gillian told us she had no idea her close friend and former colleague had reprised her iconic role for the special episodes. The moment she saw Anita back onscreen left her and other co-stars in shock, with Gillian super emotional too. She told us: "We didn't know. It was an amazing moment. We were all like so shocked, we couldn't believe it. We had no idea, Letitia [Dean] didn't tell us. We really had no idea it was happening, it was amazing and such an amazing scene. "It was so emotional and I was so teary. The way Angie came back and got Sharon out of that, you know, on her way out [meaning Sharon was dying]. Mum came back and saved her." She went on: "Kathy has mentioned Angie a few times, 'your mu, used to say this', we still mention her. I love this girl I really do." But Anita says now was the right time, and it gave her the closure she needed years on from Angie's exit. Anita said: "It was perfect and it felt like closure for Angie and for me." With Anita returning to the set to film a special episode with Ross Kemp for the 40th, and a podcast with Lacey Turner, the actress revealed all about being welcomed back by the cast. She said: "They took me into The Queen Vic and everyone was going crazy. It was so lovely." Gillian added: "It brought back so many memories from 40 years ago. It was gorgeous together, we had a wonderful time." Anita also told us about her Doctor Who role, and the moment onscreen that sparked "a riot". She said when asked about the reaction to her reveal as being the Rani: "It actually wasn't as crazy as when Mrs Flood looked at the camera and winked, that caused a riot! "That didn't because a lot of people are thinking, ''where is she going to go from here?''. That sister of mine is so bossy but the outfit was great."
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
David Beckham 'hasn't told Brooklyn Beckham about knighthood' amid feud
David Beckham is expected to be named as a recipient of a knighthood by King Charles in the Birthday Honours list next week but he reportedly didn't tell Brooklyn Beckham himself David Beckham reportedly didn't tell his eldest son Brooklyn Beckham that he's set to be given a knighthood amid rumours of a rift. It's also suggested that it looks "unlikely" that the family will unite at the investiture. It was reported yesterday that David, 50, will be named as a recipient of the honorary title by King Charles, 76, in the monarch's Birthday Honours list next week. The apparent knighthood will mean that he gets referred to as 'Sir'. David is said to have received the news in a letter, which reportedly requests that it not be broadcast prior to an official announcement. It's claimed that he did tell "immediately family" but not his eldest son Brooklyn, 26. Speaking about the knighthood, described as the "ultimate accolade" for David, a source told the Sun that "obviously" he's told his "immediate family" the news. They said he won't have "formal celebrations" until after the investiture though. The source said: "He is still not in contact with Brooklyn and, frankly, it would have been weird for him to reach out and tell him, so he didn't. It is up to Brooklyn now if he wishes to extend an olive branch and send on his congratulations." They said that it's "so sad" because family is "everything" to David, adding that he would "love" for them all to be at the ceremony. The source however continued: "Only time will tell though, but at the moment it is looking unlikely." According to the source, David doesn't want to focus on that though. They said that the former Manchester United player wants to "focus on the positives" and celebrate this latest achievement in his decades-long career. It's also claimed by the outlet that Brooklyn hasn't spoken to his father David "meaningfully" in seven months. The Sun further alleged that he only heard about the knighthood after pals directed him to the outlet's story about it. There long been speculation over the prospect of David receiving a knighthood. He follows in the footsteps of others from the world of sport, like Sir Alex Ferguson and the late Sir Bobby Charlton, who previously received knighthoods. David was previously awarded an OBE by the late Queen Elizabeth II more than two decades ago. He received the title from the late monarch for services to football back in 2003. As reported by the Standard at the time, David said: "I am honoured and privileged to receive this recognition. It's not just for me but for Manchester United, England, all of my team mates and my family."
