‘Tremendous shock’ Only Fools and Horses legend Sir David Jason opens up on daughter he didn’t know existed
SIR David Jason has opened up about discovering a daughter he never knew existed.
The beloved actor, 84, learned in 2022 that he’d fathered Abi Harris in 1970 following a brief relationship.
Speaking today on BBC Breakfast, the TV legend said: “It was a letter that took me by surprise, and it was from a daughter that I didn’t know I had.
“It was a tremendous shock and we’ve since been meeting and getting together.
“We’re fine, we’re lovely. We’re getting to know each other which takes a bit of time, no she’s great and it’s very rewarding.
“It was a girlfriend and that part, I never knew about it.
“I went to work in the theatre and the girlfriend went off to work in her theatre and that was the end of it.”
Meanwhile, Sir David revealed the support he’d received since the revelation.
He added: “My wife has been a tremendous help in this direction and she’s been extremely supportive and without that I don’t think I could have managed.
“Because of Gill’s reaction and her ability to understand it’s been a remarkable achievement on all our behalves. It’s positive.
“It’s the journey, not the arrival and it’s the fun of the journey.
“That’s just another part of life’s rich pattern or life’s rich journey that it throws at you.
“Along there are hiccups or holes in the pavement occasionally that you have to try to avoid but you think positive.”
Previously, Sir David spoke about welcoming Abi and her young son into his family.
Best 80s sitcoms
We take a look at some of the best sitcoms to air on TV in the 80s.
The Simpsons
This satirical depiction of life in the US was developed by Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, and Sam Simon. It first launched in 1989 and has been going ever since as viewers tune in to see the antics of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and the rest of the Springfield residents. With over 35 series making it onto the television airwaves, it has become one of the most famous and long-running television shows in history.
Only Fools And Horses
Widely accepted as one of the best British sitcoms of all time, Only Fools and Horses has made viewers laugh for decades. Seven series of the show were made for the BBC One from 1981 for ten years. Set in working-class Peckham, it starred Sir David Jason in his most famous role as the infamous market trader Derek “Del Boy” Trotter. Nicholas Lyndhurst starred as his younger half-brother, Rodney Trotter. In 2004, it was voted as Britain’s Best Sitcom in a BBC poll.
Full House
The US sitcom Full House was created in 1987 with Bob Saget starring father-of-three Danny Tanner. After his wife died, he called in the help of his brother-in-law Jesse (John Stamos) and best friend Joey (Dave Coulier) to move in and help raise his young daughters, DJ (Candace Cameron Bure), Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and Michelle (Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen). After eight series, the show came to an end before Netflix revived the franchise for a spin-off, Fuller House.
Golden Girls
Seven series aired from 1985 until 1992. It followed Four women – who were previously married – moved in together in a shared apartment in Miami. Together, they faced various struggles and encounter comical situations in their daily lives. Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty starred in roles that short them to superstardom.
Cheers
1982 was the year that saw the inception of Cheers. An eclectic group of people from all different paths of life meet at a bar Cheers. The boston boozer sees the group share their experiences as they work and drank at the establishment. It starred the likes of Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman. Huge names such as Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson and Kirstie Alley also starred in the hit series.
Growing Pains
Dr. Jason Seaver (Alan Thicke) is a psychiatrist who works from home so his wife, Maggie (Joanna Kerns), can resume her career as a journalist. They share three children, Mike (Kirk Cameron), Carol (Tracey Gold), and Ben (Jeremy Miller). This was before their precocious daughter Chrissy (Ashley Johnson) was born. The programme tackled topical issues such as drugs, suicide, peer pressure and alcohol.
He told The Mirror: “To say it was a surprise to find out I had a daughter from years ago is an understatement.
“However, on settling with the news, I am delighted that I am now able to get to know Abi and so we meet up when we can.
“My wife, Gill, and daughter, Sophie, have been very supportive and understanding and have embraced Abi and welcomed her and her young son into her now wider family.”
Sir David married Gill Hinchcliffe in 2005 with their daughter, Sophie, born in 2001.
He was previously in a long-term relationship with Welsh actress Myfanwy Talog, who sadly died of breast cancer in 1995.