Only Fools and Horses star David Jason exposes actors he 'can't stand'

Only Fools and Horses legend Sir David Jason has opened up about the type of actors who irritate him on set - and he didn't hold back. Speaking on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X in May 2025, the 85-year-old comedy icon revealed he struggles to work alongside co-stars who shut themselves off from the rest of the cast in the name of "getting into character".

"The thing that irritates me greatly [is] some actors who have to be quiet, don't talk to me," Jason explained.

"Why is that? 'I've got to get into character.' And I think, you know, do me a favour. You're lifting yourself above everyone else that is part of the team."

Jason - best known for playing Del Boy Trotter across more than two decades - said he's never needed intense rituals to get into the zone. For him, acting begins the moment the costume goes on.

"If you're a good actor, you're able to put on the costume, and as you put on the costume, you're putting on the character that you've invented," he continued.

"It gives me five or ten minutes to, you know, to start getting in there. It's like flexing a muscle, isn't it? And then you're into it straight away."

Sir David shot to fame playing lovable rogue Derek "Del Boy" Trotter in Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003), working closely with writer John Sullivan and co-stars Nicholas Lyndhurst and Buster Merryfield.

Alongside his comedy success, David proved his dramatic range in ITV's long-running detective drama A Touch of Frost, appearing opposite Bruce Alexander and Caroline Harker.

He also starred in Open All Hours and its sequel Still Open All Hours alongside Ronnie Barker, and lent his voice to classic children's series Danger Mouse and The Wind in the Willows.

His comments have since sparked debate among fans and fellow performers. While many praised his old-school approach, others defended alternative acting methods.

One user wrote: "What irritates me most is artists who judge the processes of other artists. I think as long as the process doesn't cause the actor to disrespect peers or be unkind, then I say do you. As a person who does live theatre, I definitely need my quiet time before performances."

Others added: "You do what works for you, other people do what works for them. And it's OK", and "I agree, but I also think everyone has their own method and knows what works best for them. If that's the other actor's way of working, then so be it."