NO FOOL
Only Fools And Horses legend Nicholas Lyndhurst finally breaks America aged 62 on iconic show
Fans believed Nicholas was taking a break from acting after his son died in 2020, aged 19
NOT in his wildest dreams did Del Boy ever think Rodney Trotter would crack America at the age of 62.
But that’s exactly how it’s panned out in real life, as Only Fools And Horses icon Nicholas Lyndhurst has become the breakout star of the new Frasier show — and a big reason why the show’s leading man is confident of a second series.
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In the US sitcom’s reboot, which began airing last month, Nicholas features as Frasier’s best friend Alan Cornwall.
Kelsey Grammer, who has played shrink-turned-lecturer Dr Frasier Crane for nearly 40 years, has hailed Nicholas as the best actor he has ever worked with.
He said: “Nick Lyndhurst. He’s stealth warfare. He’s the sneakiest most talented actor I’ve ever worked with.
“We worked together in London on the musical, Man of La Mancha [in 2019].
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“We made plans to get [our partners] together and we became best friends.
“So when the idea of Frasier having a best friend came into the mix, it was always Nicholas.
“I asked him when we were back in England if he’d like to be in the new Frasier.
"He said, ‘Are you kidding? I would do anything to work with you again every day for the rest of my life.’ The feeling is mutual.”
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When the move was announced it was met with surprise.
Many fans believed Nicholas was taking an extended break from acting after his son, promising actor Archie, died from a brain haemorrhage caused by acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in 2020, aged 19.
Even Del Boy himself, David Jason, claimed he and his co-star of three decades had drifted apart in recent years.
But clearly Nicholas hasn’t lost any of his spark, winning praise from US TV critics.
Kelsey is confident the Frasier reboot will continue to thrive, revealing they have “over 100 episodes” written.
He says: “We do have really talented writers who will come up with ideas and we’ll discuss it. It’s a collaborative effort.”
Whenever it’s green lit, Nicholas will certainly be at its heart.
BUNNY IS A BED-HOPPER
FORMER Doctor Who star Matt Smith’s latest role is as far removed from the Time Lord as you could get.
He is playing a sex addict in the title role of Sky drama The Death Of Bunny Munro, based on singer Nick Cave’s comic novel.
Self-professed lothario and travelling salesman Bunny is lumbered with his young son after his wife’s suicide.
The pair embark on an out-of-control road trip in Southern England as they struggle with their grief.
Matt, who is also executive producer of the six-parter, said: “It’s a brilliant exploration of love, grief, and chaos.
"A deep, difficult, and tender story about a father and son coping with loss and change.”
The series will begin filming next spring.
BRUCE WRESTLES HIS FEAR
CORONATION Street legend Bruce Jones has admitted he’s “scared” about his pro-wrestling career launch after breaking his ankle – but is gobbling protein to get fit.
And the 70-year-old actor, who played Les Battersby until 2007, says the career move does not rule out a return to the ITV soap.
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He has chosen the show’s theme tune for his “walk in” and will debut in the ring in February.
Bruce told the Cultaholic Wrestling podcast: “It seems surreal – I’m looking forward to it but I’m a bit scared of it. The reaction has been amazing.
“People in the industry have said ‘you’re starting wrestling so you’re not going back to Coronation Street?’ I always say ‘never say never’.”
Let’s see if he survives his opening match first.
COUPLE LEED-ING YOU ON
CHANNEL 4’s new sexy drama The Couple Next Door has left the people of Leeds in a fluster – and not because of its steamy plot.
They can’t believe the six-parter, about swinging couples, is based in the city because no one seems to recognise the blissful suburban cul-de-sac where the horny neighbours live.
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Writing on X, formally known as Twitter, one viewer said: “That’s definitely not Leeds.”
Another wrote: “I’ve been to Leeds and there is definitely not a primary school like that anywhere in England, let alone int’ God’s own country.”
And they are, indeed, correct.
The series director Dries Vos has revealed the area in question is actually a housing estate in Holland, which is modelled on a US-style residential street.
Poldark’s Eleanor Tomlinson stars in the series as married primary school teacher Evie, who develops a crush on neighbour Danny, played by Outlander’s Sam Heughan.
Evie’s desire for traffic officer Danny is more than encouraged by his yoga teacher wife Becka (Jessica De Gouw).
Who knew Yorkshire Tea was such an aphrodisiac?
HELEN FLANAGAN is making her stage debut in the UK tour of Cluedo 2 – The Next Chapter
The ex-Corrie favourite will play Miss Scarlett, with Casualty star Jason Durr, as Colonel Mustard.
Helen said: “I can’t wait to begin rehearsals and of course wear the famous red dress.”
MAMMA MIA! VICAR ALAN’S HELL TOUPEE
ALAN CARR thinks he’s God’s gift – dressing as a vicar for the semi-final of Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream.
He recreates the wedding that never was on Sunday with host Zoe Ball walking the female contestants up the aisle to the altar in Corfu.
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Asked about shooting the al fresco scene for the ITV series, he said: “It got emotional when the vows were read and we got a few surprises from people’s families.
“Then, the sky went purple and it started thundering and lightning.
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“I was worried about getting killed by being struck by lightning while dressed as a vicar.”
That toupée would go some way to protecting him.
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