Only Fools and Horses star and acting icon Sir David Jason has announced an unexpected career move after more than six decades on TV – and it won’t be coming to a TV near you

David Jason has brought some of the UK’s most beloved characters to life – but for two nights only, he’s making himself the star of the show. The actor, 85, has announced that he is taking to the stage for a one-man show, where he will reflect upon his illustrious career, and welcome surprise special guests to join him on his walk down memory lane.

The rare shows are taking place on August 22 and 23 at Manchester’s 1,730-seat Lowry Theatre.

A promoter for the event teased: “Relive some of the most unforgettable moments in British TV history, including the legendary Only Fools and Horses scenes—the bar fall, the chandelier disaster, Batman and Robin, and more.

David Jason is best known as Del Boy Trotter from Only Fools and Horses(Image: BBC)

“David takes you behind the curtain, revealing the secrets, techniques, and on-set magic that made these moments so timeless.” Tickets for the “evening of nostalgia, laughter, and exclusive insights” are priced between £48 and £93.

David doesn’t only have happy stories to reflect on and share. He has faced personal loss and health challenges alongside his celebrated career. Despite the joy he brought to viewers, he dealt with devastating life events, including the death of his partner to cancer over two decades ago and the passing of his co-star, John Challis.

The actor will be sharing anecdotes from his life across two nights at The Lowry Theatre(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)

The veteran actor opened up about the sorrow of losing John during a September 2021 appearance on Good Morning Britain, acknowledging that John’s health had been declining but it was still a shock. He told the programme: “It was not a complete surprise because poor old John hadn’t been well for the last month or two but he went downhill so fast, very rapidly, that one minute we were thinking he was on the road to recovery.”

Jason has also admitted that he feels fortunate that he’s remained relatively healthy. “You’re so busy getting on with life and I’m lucky that everything’s still in good working condition,” reported the Express. However, in recent years Sir David has suffered with his own health woes.

Recently, the iconic actor revealed an update on his health, speaking of the leg problems he’s been facing since undergoing a surgical procedure for a new titanium hip last October

He also starred in ITV detective drama A Touch Of Frost(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Full of appreciation for modern medicine, Jason told Woman’s Weekly: “My god, aren’t we lucky that we can do that? If we weren’t living in the time when these operations are normal every day, you would be crippled.”

The actor also told the Sunday Times about his health, revealing that he’s been grappling with memory issues. “My memory isn’t what it used to be… Most of us reach this point when things aren’t quite as bright as they used to be,” he shared.

Which makes his one-man show and even more vital date for the diary.