David Jason makes emotional career confession as he admits 'age not on his side'

David Jason shares heartwarming story about Ronnie Barker

Sir David Jason rose to stardom during the 80s as Del Boy in the beloved BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses.

Despite the British classic propelling his acting career, the 84-year-old revealed he now struggles to get cast in new roles.

Although he portrayed the most iconic roles for two decades, the actor admitted he was “desperately,” trying to convince TV bosses to consider him.

David shared: “I'm trying desperately to convince producers and directors that I've got many characters still left to play.”

Speaking on his twilight years he added: “Senior actors have got a tremendous amount to offer.”

His most recent television job was co-presenting the 15-part BBC series, Jay and David's Touring Tool Shed with Jay Blades at the beginning of the year.

Sir David Jason starred as Del Boy for two decades (Image: BBC)

However, his co-star has since been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour against his estranged wife, and Sir David confirmed there will be no follow-up series.

Despite not appearing in a scripted project since 2019, David told Radio Times, he was “open to offers.”

He's not the first actor to speak on similar hardships and complain about casting struggles in later life.

In the 2018 documentary Nothing Like A Dame, Dame Joan Plowright, 95, confessed: “My agent said, ‘Well if you do want to act again, we'll look around for a nice little cameo that Judi Dench hasn't got her paws on.’

David Jason was last cast in the Open All Hours 2019 reboot (Image: BBC)

As for his festive plans, Sir David also revealed that he will spend Christmas with his long-lost daughter and only grandchild Charlie at his farmhouse near Buckinghamshire.

Abi Harris, 53, is the daughter of actress Jennifer Hill - who starred in James Bond film Octopussy - after her mother and Sir David had a brief relationship in 1970.

In 2022, the actress wrote an “astonishing letter” to Sir David and a paternity test later confirmed he was her father.

David said: “We'll share some Christmas time together and will probably play lots of games. Charlie loves bingo – and I'm usually the caller, which generally provides a lot of amusement.”