Only Fools and Horses star Michael Jayston, who played the father of Raquel Turner in the BBC sitcom, has died aged 88 following a ‘short illness’.
He appeared in the Christmas 1996 episode of the show, called ‘Time On Our Hands’, in which he helped Derek and Rodney Trotter finally become millionaires.
His character James Turner was an antiques expert who spotted they had a rare watch which the brothers went on to auction off for £6.2million, in what many fans see as one of the most beloved episodes.
The broadcast on December 29 1996 attracted a British TV audience of 24.3million, a British sitcom record.
A statement from M&M Famous Faces, on behalf of his family, said today: ‘It is with great sadness, that I have been asked by his family to share the news, Michael Jayston sadly passed away this morning after a short illness.
Only Fools and Horses star Michael Jayston (centre) pictured with his co-stars Sir David Jason (left) and Nicholas Lyndhurst (right)
Michael Jayston, who appeared in one of the most famous Only Fools And Horses episodes, has died aged 88 after a short illness
‘Those who knew Michael will know he was full of love, laughs and happiness. He adored meeting his fans all over the world.
‘His family and friends would appreciate privacy at this time.’
Aside from being James in Only Fools And Horses, Jayston also played a main role in historical film Nicholas And Alexandra about the last days of the Tsars in Russia and the relationship between Nicholas II of Russia and his wife.
His other TV appearances included 14 episodes of Dr Who in 1986, as the character the Valeyard, as well as appearing as Donald De Souza in Emmerdale – while he also featured in other soap operas including EastEnders and Coronation Street.
Jayston played Neville Badger in the ITV comedy drama series A Bit Of A Do, by the comic writer David Nobbs and co-starring David Jason who would later reunited with him as Del Boy in Only Fools And Horses.
