Only Fools and Horses' greatest-ever moment revealed as Del Boy's bar fall

8 September 2021

Only Fools and Horses' greatest-ever moment has been revealed as the iconic scene where Del Boy Trotter falls through a bar.

Only Fools and Horses

Sir David Jason, who played the charismatic market trader in the legendary BBC sitcom, was delighted to hear fans voted for the comical scene as their favourite part of the show - which celebrates its 40th anniversary today (08.09.21) - in a poll by RadioTimes.com.

The 81-year-old actor told the website: "I am thrilled that the falling through the bar scene has given so much pleasure over the years and thank the RadioTimes.com readers for their vote.

"The show seems to go from strength to strength and I feel very fortunate to have been involved with such an iconic show.

"It started with the great John Sullivan for the fantastic scripts and the chemistry of the cast which brought it all to life.

"So many laughs over so many years."

The iconic moment, which featured in series six opening episode 'Yuppy Love', sees Del fall sideways through an open bar while chatting to his pal Trigger, who was played by the late Roger Lloyd Pack.

The scene was watched by nearly 14 million on BBC One when it was first broadcast in 1989.

Second place in the poll - which attracted more than 1,100 votes - went to Del and his brother Rodney Trotter (Nicholas Lyndhurst) dropping a chandelier in 1982 series two finale 'A Touch of Glass'.

The bronze medal went to the hilarious scene in which Del and Rodney sprint through the streets of Peckham, east London, while dressed as superheroes Batman and Robin.

It aired in episode 'Heroes and Villains' - the first part of the 1996 Christmas trilogy, in which the Trotters finally achieved their dream of becoming millionaires - and the ep attracted 21 million viewers, which was a record at the time.

'Only Fools' - which was written and created by the late, great John Sullivan - is largely considered one of the best British sitcoms of all time.

The show first aired on September 8th 1981 with episode 'Big Brother'.

The programme ran for seven series until 1991, and feature length specials were broadcast from 1992 to 2003.

The RadioTimes.com top 10 'Only Fools and Horses' moments:

1. Del Falls through the bar

2. Del and Rodney smash the chandelier

3. Batman and Robin run through the streets of Peckham

4. Inflatable dolls in the van

5. Del and Rodney pass out at the auction

6. Trigger’s well-maintained broom

7. Rodney finally corrects Trigger on his name

8. Holding Back the Years at Rodney’s wedding