To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Only Fools and Horses in 2026, U&Gold has announced a new two-part documentary series: Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive.  Featuring never-seen-before footage uncovered in the archive from over 10 classic episodes, the series also offers new interviews with cast and crew. 

These special episodes unearth long-lost material, behind-the-scenes footage, newly discovered images and clips, which have been digitally scanned and restored from original 16mm negatives. For the first time ever, the cast appear in HD in scenes from some of the most iconic episodes including the much celebrated The Jolly Boys’ Outing. Originally broadcast on December 25th 1989, over 20 million viewers followed Del Boy, Rodney, and the gang on a chaotic trip to Margate. Images of never-seen-before scenes released include Boycie (John Challis) and Mike (Kenneth MacDonald) joking about Rodney still being head over heels “in lust” a year after getting married. Audiences will also see Del Boy (Sir David Jason) take the microphone at the front of the coach to update the gang on some important news.

In new interviews, Jason, Tessa Peake-Jones (Raquel), Gwyneth Strong (Cassandra),  Sue Holderness (Marlene Boyce), Steven Woodcock (Jevon) and Denis Lill (Alan Parry) look back on their time in Peckham – watching long-lost moments, sharing reactions and paying tribute to creator John Sullivan. Other contributors include Mike Jones (Co-author, Lovely Jubbly), Perry Aghajanoff (Chairman, Only Fools and Horses Appreciation Society), Chris Wadsworth (Editor, Only Fools and Horses) and Tony Dow (Director, Only Fools and Horses).

Further discoveries, which didn’t make it into the original episodes due to timing or structural constraints include new material from He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Uncle, Mother Nature’s Son, Time on Our Hands, and an unseen opening scene of Del and Rodney in a nightclub from Class of ’62 previously thought to be lost forever. Another revelation are Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb’s repeated retakes, which cost production hours as Del Boy and Rodney were sent up and down the river to capture the right shot in Miami Twice.

Commissioned for UKTV by Helen Nightingale, Head of Factual and Factual Entertainment, Commissioning and ordered by Gerald Casey, Director of Programming, Comedy and Entertainment, and Hilary Rosen, Director of Commissioning. Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive is co-produced by North One and Shazam, with Sean Doherty as Series Producer and Director, and John Quinn and Amy Sullivan as Executive Producers. It will air on U&GOLD in 2026.

Jason commented: “The love for Only Fools has never faded. It’s incredible to see how many people still hold it close to their hearts. Revisiting these rediscovered moments reminded me just how special the show was – and still is. It’s incredible to be able to share them now.”

Nightingale, UKTV’s Head of Factual and Factual Entertainment, Commissioning, said: “Only Fools and Horses is part of the national DNA. With its humour, heart and unforgettable characters, it’s British comedy at its very best. This series is a celebration of its legacy and a chance to share new discoveries with the fans who’ve loved it for decades.”

Doherty said: “Few shows have the kind of enduring popularity that Only Fools enjoys. The archive has uncovered some extraordinary material – 66 unseen clips and scenes so far that were filmed but never broadcast because they didn’t fit the timing or structure of the original episodes, plus nearly 100 assets from rushes and location filming. We’ve truly been spoilt for choice.”

Casey added: “Fans love revisiting Only Fools and Horses on U&Gold. John Sullivan had an unmatched gift for writing characters that felt utterly real – flawed, funny, and full of heart. We can’t wait to share these rediscovered moments with viewers who know the show inside out and still can’t get enough of it.”

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Tags: Gold, Only Fools and Horses, UKTV