By Jack Wetherill Victoria Johns
Only Fools and Horses fans have been left reeling after discovering the surprising truth behind who sang the iconic BBC comedy’s theme tune. The beloved show, starring David Jason as cunning market trader Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst as his hapless brother Rodney, is instantly recognisable thanks to its catchy chorus: “But here’s the one that’s driving me berserk. Why do only fools and horses work?” For years, many viewers have been under the impression that actor Nicholas Lyndhurst was the one singing the theme tune, when in reality, it was the show’s writer, John Sullivan. The revelation sparked a lively discussion on X, with Very British Problems asking: “Did anyone else grow up thinking Rodney was singing the Only Fools and Horses theme song?” One astonished fan responded: “Yes and I was shocked when I found out it was actually John Sullivan because it sounded so much like Rodney, it’s crazy.” Another chimed in: “I thought they all were, Rodney on lead and Trigger, Boycey and Denzel on backing,” while a third fan confessed: “Thank goodness I thought I was the only one!”, reports the Mirror . As it turns out, John Sullivan wrote and performed the song himself after initially wanting pop duo Chas and Dave to sing it. However, due to their busy schedule, the BBC instructed John to take on the task. The theme tune’s lyrics are infused with British slang and cultural references, as well as nods to the show’s humour. Phrases like “Stick a pony in my pocket” refer to £25, while “fetch the suitcase from the van” and “where it all comes from is a mystery” allude to the Trotters’ shady, cash-only business dealings. The closing credits highlight the dodgy goods Del and Rodney peddle, from “miles and miles of carpet tiles” to “Trevor Francis tracksuits”. Francis, an English footballer in the 1970s and 1980s, sadly passed away in 2023. The iconic sitcom catapulted David and Nicholas to household fame as the lovable Trotter brothers, who, despite their constant bickering, always had each other’s backs in Nelson Mandela House, Peckham. Sir David, 83, previously had to reschedule an Only Fools And Horses convention after undergoing surgery to receive “a new bionic body part fitted.” The Del Boy legend kept mum about the specifics of the surgery, joking that fans might “all want one” if they knew. He issued a statement apologising for the inconvenience: “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,” Sir David reassured his fans on his official Facebook page. “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! These events are such an enjoyable celebration for myself and the rest of the Only Fools cast, and it is such a privilege to meet so many of you, but I want to do it with the smile on my face I always have had.” Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.