It’s been 40 years since we all fell in love with the classic British comedic show, but there is one Only Fools and Horses episode that most people probably missed – which was grandad’s last ever appearance.
The episode Licensed To Drill was filmed in 1984, and wasn’t the stereotypical Only Fools episode because it had an underlying educational purpose to it, which detailed the versatility of oil.
In the episode, Rodney and grandad watch an old war movie but then Del interrupts with this classic catchphrase “this time next year we’ll be millionaires” when talking about oil in the North Sea.
(Image: BBC)
There are a few jokes thrown, but things were pretty muted, and then grandad says that he thinks oil comes from ‘the garage’.
Del then teases Rodney about his two GCEs as he doesn’t know where oil originates from either.
David Jason’s charatcer thengoes on to explain that oil comes from fermented prehistoric plants and fossils then brings out a whole plethora of items made from oil, before showing them an educational documentary called ‘Maureen’ – but grandad falls asleep.
(Image: BBC)
This educational episode was shown in school science lessons across the country but was never broadcast on TV or included in the video and DVD boxsets of the popular British programme.
It was first viewed by the general public in 2017 when UKTV Gold showcased the 19-minute documentary-style episode.
Although the episode is education-orientated, there are still many Only Fools accents and nuggets within it – such as Del attempting to make millions by buying an oil rig off a Scottish man called Paddy for £400 – but things don’t go to plan for Del, as per usual.
(Image: BBC)
The educational episode also poignantly marks grandad’s final ever appearance in the hit show.
Grandad was a role reprised by the sweetheart that was Lennard Pearce, who sadly passed away in December 1984 after two heart attacks.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
