David Jason has been forced to postpone an Only Fools And Horses convention due to health issues, telling fans it’s “not a decision I took at all lightly”.
The event was due to have taken place over the weekend, but has now been pushed back to early next year.
Jason‘s agent confirmed to Sky News the 83-year-old star will be undergoing hip replacement surgery.
Jason – who became a household name playing one of TV’s most beloved comedy characters – Del Boy – for nearly 30 years shared a Facebook message with fans, apologising for the postponement.
He wrote: “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”.
Monkey Harris was an unseen business associate of Del Boy’s in Only Fools And Horses.
“I really hope everyone will be able to make the new date (January 13th and 14th) and we can all have something cushty to look forward to!”
Calling the convention “such an enjoyable celebration,” he said it was a “privilege” to meet fans, but said “I want to do it with the smile on my face I always have had”.
He went on to say “it was not a decision I took at all lightly,” adding that he hoped fans “understand my situation”.
He signed off his note by saying, “Hoping to be lovely jubbly when I meet you in the new year. All cushty wishes until then”.
Jason’s operation follows a fall in his home in Buckinghamshire in 2022, which happened after the star contracted COVID.
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It’s not yet known which other stars will appear at the convention, which will take place at the Hilton Hotel in Milton Keynes.
Created by writer John Sullivan, Only Fools And Horses ran from 1981 to 2003, with Jason appearing in every one of the 64 episodes alongside Nicholas Lyndhurst, who played his younger brother Rodney.
Jason has starred in numerous TV shows outside of Only Fools And Horses, including Open All Hours, Porridge, A Touch Of Frost, The Darling Buds Of May, several Terry Pratchett TV adaptations and voice work on children’s shows including Danger Mouse and Count Duckula.
He was knighted in 2005 for services to acting and comedy.