holds a cherished spot in the hearts of British comedy enthusiasts. The enduring sitcom created national icons, with actors such as David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst still celebrated for their comedic performances long after the show's inception. Despite concluding in 2003, the numerous catchphrases that made the show famous continue to permeate everyday chatter. The beloved sitcom revolves around the lives of Del Boy (Sir David) and Rodney Trotter (Lyndhurst), and their various plots to strike it rich.

However, the series transcended its plotline for viewers, thanks to its relatable characters and memorable phrases. It swiftly ascended to become one of Britain's most esteemed comedy series, according to millions nationwide. The series garnered multiple accolades, including nods from BAFTA, the National Television Awards, and the Royal Television Society. It was crowned Britain's Best Sitcom in a BBC poll. The cast will forever be recognised for their roles in Only Fools and Horses, with the show continuing to draw both new and returning fans whenever episodes are rerun on television, reports . We've compiled a list of some of the most unforgettable characters and what became of the stars who portrayed them after the show ended.

David Jason

, the iconic actor, is celebrated for his portrayal of Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter from 1981 to 2003. Sir David's illustrious career since the show includes his roles as Detective Inspector Jack Frost in A Touch of Frost, Granville in Open All Hours and Still Open All Hours, and Pop Larkin in The Darling Buds of May.

In 2019, he reprised his role in the Open All Hours reboot, which stands as his most recent on-screen performance. Since then, he has shifted his focus to voiceover work in animation, though he admits finding line memorisation increasingly challenging.

The esteemed actor disclosed just last month that he will embark on a one-man show later this year, which promises to offer a retrospective look at his storied career, complete with the appearance of special guests.

The event was buoyantly previewed by Sir David's promoter: "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."

Back in 2001, at 61, Sir David entered fatherhood when his partner, Gill Hinchcliffe, gave birth to their daughter. The couple tied the knot in 2005 and now reside in Buckinghamshire.

Nicholas Lyndhurst

Turning to Nicholas Lyndhurst, he holds recognition for his role as Rodney Trotter on Only Fools and Horses. Besides this iconic part, Lyndhurst has shone in other sitcoms, portraying Gary Sparrow in Goodnight Sweetheart and Raymond Fletcher in Going Straight.

In recent times, Nicholas has taken on a role in the reboot of the classic American sitcom Frasier, which kicked off in 2023 and continues to entertain audiences.

Discussing his time filming stateside with Radio Times, the actor shared: "I'm just here for the duration of the show and I'll go home to the UK afterwards. But it is absolutely wonderful to be here for now."

In the series, Nicholas portrays Alan Cornwall, an old college mate of Frasier's and a university professor.

The beloved comedy figure tied the knot with Lucy Jane Smith, a former ballet dancer, in West Sussex back in September 1999. The couple welcomed their son Archie Bjorn Lyndhurst into the world in London on October 2, 2000.

Tragically, their son passed away in his sleep due to a brain hemorrhage triggered by acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2020.

Following the heartbreaking event, he expressed that he and his wife were "utterly grief stricken and respectfully request privacy." Nowadays, Nicholas leads a tranquil life in West Sussex with his spouse.

When not acting, the 63 year old indulges in hobbies like underwater diving, beekeeping, and flying his own planes.

Gwyneth Strong

Gwyneth Strong is best known for her role as Cassandra Parry, the partner of Rodney Trotter in the comedy.

Her most recent television appearances were in 2016 in EastEnders, but she continues to work in theatre, recently appearing as Mrs. Boyle in the 70th-anniversary production of The Mousetrap.

Viewers may also recognize her from other roles, including the two-part drama serial The Missing Postman, where she played WPC Rachel McMahon, the BBC drama Real Women from 1997 to 1998, Hetty in ITV's Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married (1999), and Elizabeth, Jim Brodie's wife, in the BBC drama Casualty in 2003.

She also starred in the two-part True Confessions episode of A Touch of Frost, reuniting with her Only Fools and Horses co-star David Jason.

In her personal life, Gwyneth tied the knot with Jesse Birdsall, her long-term partner and former Footballers' Wives actor, in 2000. They have two children, Oscar (born 1988) and Lottie (born 1991), as well as two grandchildren.

Lennard Pearce

As a seasoned actor, Lennard Pearce worked extensively in both theatre and television, with his most notable role being that of Grandad in Only Fools and Horses.

He was a part of the show from its debut episode in 1981 until his passing in December 1984.On December 12, 1984, he was struck by a heart attack and urgently transported to Whittington Hospital, where his condition initially stabilised.

Tragically, the actor suffered a second heart attack on December 15 at his flat and passed away at the age of 69.

Lennard Pearce's television credits spanned several classics, including Dixon of Dock Green (1965), Dr. Finlay's Casebook (1967), Sykes (1972), and two stints on Coronation Street in May 1969 and April 1977.

He also featured in the influential The Wednesday Play, notably in Cathy Come Home (1966).

In the Only Fools and Horses episode titled Strained Relations, the death of Grandad leads to tensions between Del Boy and Rodney as they struggle with their loss.

The introduction of Uncle Albert into the series helps ease the strain.

Tessa Peake-Jones

Tessa Peake-Jones graced the screen as Raquel Turner in the classic series, contributing to the series for an impressive 11 years, from her debut in 1988 to her final bow in 2003.

She portrayed Derek Trotter's significant other, having initially joined the cast as a guest star.

The 67 year old has had a prolific acting career, with numerous television appearances under her belt. Her credits include Bergerac, The Demon Headmaster, Midsomer Murders, Casualty, and Holby City.

Tessa reprised her role as Mrs. Chapman in the ninth series of Grantchester, which aired in January, a character she has played since the show's inception in 2014.

During her time on the BBC sitcom, Tessa was in a long-term relationship with Douglas Hodge, who played her grown-up son in one episode of Only Fools.

Although the couple separated in 2013 after 29 years together, they share two children, Charlie and Molly-Rose.

Tessa has demonstrated her versatility as an actress, taking on various roles over the years. In 2019, she showcased her musical talents on the ITV show All Star Musicals, where she performed Abba's Mamma Mia.

Roger Lloyd Pack

Roger was renowned for his portrayal of the lovable but dim-witted Trigger in the BBC One comedy series.

His breakthrough role came in 1981 when he was cast as Colin "Trigger" Ball. Initially a supporting character, Trigger went on to appear in nearly every episode of the long-running series, winning over the hearts of audiences.

He also gained popularity for his role in The Vicar of Dibley, playing Owen Newitt, a farmer with personal hygiene issues, who frequently flirted with Dawn French's character to no avail.

Roger's acting credits extended to film, including a role in the Harry Potter series as Barty Crouch Snr, head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

He also had a successful stage acting career. The comedy icon married Sheila Ball in 1968, with whom he had a daughter, actress Emily Lloyd, but they later separated.

He went on to live with poet Jehane Markham for 25 years before marrying her in 2000.

In January 2014, his agent, Maureen Vincent, announced that he had pancreatic cancer and had "died at home surrounded by his family", prompting tributes from around the world.

Buster Merryfield

Harry 'Buster' Merryfield gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Uncle Albert in the popular sitcom

He earned the nickname "Buster" from his grandfather due to his birth weight of nine pounds.

At the age of 57, Buster transitioned into a professional acting career during World War II. His passion for acting was ignited while serving as an entertainment officer, where he staged shows for the troops.

Following the passing of Lennard Pearce, who played Grandad, in December 1984, Buster's character was introduced to the show.

He joined the cast as Grandad Trotter's long-lost younger brother and became famous for his catchphrase "During the war..."

The actor also participated in pantomime performances during the Christmas seasons of 1997 and 1998, taking on the role of the father in Beauty and the Beast at the Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth.

Sadly, the BBC star passed away on June 23, 1999, at Poole General Hospital after battling a brain tumour. Buster had been married to his wife Iris since 1942, and they had a daughter and two grandchildren together.

Iris passed away on November 5, 2002, and was laid to rest alongside Buster.

John Challis

Renowned for his portrayal of Boycie, John Challis was not only a television star but also an accomplished stage actor, gracing productions by the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.

Challis became a household name as Boycie, featuring in Only Fools and Horses for over two decades, from its inception in 1981 until its conclusion in 2003.

His collaboration with creator John Sullivan continued beyond the series. His role in another John Sullivan sitcom, Citizen Smith, paved the way for him to be cast as Herman Aubrey "Boycie" Boyce in OFAH.

Sullivan later developed a spin-off centred on Boycie, titled The Green Green Grass (2005-2009).

The comedy legend was married four times, with his fourth wife, Carol Davies, whom he wed in Brighton in 1995.

Sadly, John passed away from cancer in his sleep on September 17, 2021, at the age of 79, prompting an outpouring of tributes from his co-stars.

Paul Barber

Paul Barber was born in Toxteth and appeared in numerous episodes of Only Fools and Horses as Denzil Tulser.

His character often got roped into Del Boy's get-rich-quick schemes due to his trusting nature, making it difficult for him to turn down opportunities.

Barber has also made appearances in Coronation Street, first as Nelson in 2004 and then as Billy Arrowsmith in 2008. In 2011, he received an honorary doctorate from Liverpool John Moores University for his outstanding contributions to the performing arts.

Throughout his career, Barber has landed various roles, including in To the Manor Born (1979), Minder (1980), Boys from the Blackstuff (1982), and The Front Line.

In more recent years, he has appeared in Home from Home (2016 and 2018) and reprised his role as Ernest Maxwell in two episodes in 2019.

In addition to his other roles, he also made an appearance in the 2022 crime action thriller film Renegades and is set to star in the 2024 horror film The Baby in the Basket.