The working title of the series was 'Readies,' but writer John Sullivan decided to change it because he believed that longer titles attracted viewers' eyes. He got the name Only Fools and Horses from the expression 'only fools and horses work,' which originates from American theatre and came to England through music hall. Sullivan believed the title suited the programme as Del's main aim in life is to become so rich that he doesn't have to work any more. However, he spends most of his time working in order to achieve this goal.
Head of Comedy, John Howard Davis, insisted that Nicholas Lyndhurst should play the part of Rodney, but John Sullivan was worried initially about whether the actor could play working-class convincingly. This was due to the writer only ever seeing Lyndhurst playing a middle-class teenager in the sitcom Butterflies. After Sullivan had been told about Lyndhurst playing Fletcher's cockney son Raymond in the Porridge spin-off Going Straight, he became less concerned, and after seeing the actor in action, he was convinced of his suitability for the part.
Lennard Pearce only landed the role of Grandad by chance, after producer Ray Butt phoned an agent friend to ask about suitable actors for the part. She didn't have anyone who fitted the bill on her books, but did know Lennard Pearce, who was with another agent at the time. Ray Butt thought he was perfect and John Sullivan agreed after seeing him audition.
David Jason was only selected to play Del Boy after producer Ray Butt saw him in an episode of Open All Hours.
Enn Reitel was first choice to play Del Boy, but he was unavailable.
Next choice was Jim Broadbent, who was also unavailable due to his play transferring to the West End. However, he did reappear later in the series to play detective Roy Slater.
Other actors in the frame for the part included Robin Nedwell and Billy Murray.
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