Only Fools and Horses is one of the UK’s biggest sitcoms – but you might not know the BBC comedy changed its theme song.
Named Britain’s favourite TV show, Only Fools followed bickering brothers Del Boy (David Jason) and Rodney Trotter on their quest to become millionaires in Peckham. Premiering in 1981, the show was broadcast on the BBC until 1996, with a number of Christmas specials broadcast until 2003.
Only Fools catapulted the cast into stardom and won millions of fans, as well as spawning unforgettable catchphrases and skits over the years. Who could forget the iconic moment Del falls through the bar?
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And it’s fair to say the show has one of the most recognisable theme tunes. But it turns out Only Fools had a completely different theme in the first series and had to change it.
(Image: BBC)
For the first series in 1981, show writer John Sullivan had written an original piece to be used. However, producers opted for an instrumental, saxophone-led song by Ronnie Hazlehurst.
The musician has previously written themes for other BBC sitcoms, including Last of the Summer Wine and Yes Minister. After airing, and seeing the finished results, John was not too keen on the initial instrumental theme tune.
What’s more, viewers at the time had complained about the obscure title. The BBC received letters from confused fans asking what Only Fools And Horses meant.
(Image: BBC)
So in a bid to appease the audience, the BBC switched things up. John persuaded bosses to use his own composition instead – insisting the new lyrics would help explain the title of the comedy – which is the one fans know and love to this day.
The opening line “stick a pony in my pocket” is slang for 25 pounds sterling. And the lyrics “fetch the suitcase from the van” and “where it all comes from is a mystery”, are also references to the Trotters’ dodgy, cash-in-hand business dealings.
And it ends with the title lyric, “why do only fools and horses work?”. This is a direct nod to the title that had been baffling viewers.
John wrote and performed the song after it was reported he originally wanted pop duo Chas and Dave to sing it. Sadly, the pair were busy, so the Beeb told John he would have to sing it himself.
And for decades, many fans thought it was actor Nicholas who sang the theme tune. So when they found out it was actually John – they were gobsmacked. Taking to X, Very British Problems asked: “Did anyone else grow up thinking Rodney was singing the Only Fools and Horses theme song?”
One fan replied: “Yes and I was shocked when I found out it was actually John Sullivan because it sounded so much like Rodney, it’s crazy.” A second penned: “I thought they all were, Rodney on lead and Trigger, Boycey and Denzel on backing” while a third mused: “Thank goodness I thought I was the only one!”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
