Sir David Jason thought The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades ‘wasn’t right in the head’ after unusual request
When Jay Blades made an unusual plea for The Repair Shop, only Fools and Horses legend Sir David Jason was left scratching his head.
The national treasure explained in his most recent memoir how, thanks to a bizarre inquiry from Jay Blades, he was brought back to the small screen or rather, how his beloved Derek “Del Boy” Trotter was in December 2021.
The show’s producers called Sir David as the festive season came to an end and Strictly Come Dancing was getting ready for its Christmas Day extravaganza. Given that Blades is a huge fan of the timeless sitcom, they were curious if he could add some shapes to the recognizable Only Fools and Horses theme tune.
Sir David was gobsmacked by the oddball request, confessing: “My first reaction was: he’s possibly not quite right in the head. My second reaction was: I should definitely agree to send him a message of encouragement, via video, that the show can use on the night”.
True to Strictly’s flamboyant flair, Blades even slipped into Del Boy’s signature garb for his twirl around the dance floor with Luba Mushtuk.
Sir David conceded that Blades ‘ performance was a toss-up, noting: “I mean, dancing to ‘ Hooky Street’? Dressed as Del Boy? According to Birmingham Live, this was either the biggest victory over the odds in televised pro-celebrity ballroom dancing history since Ann Widdecombe did the samba, or the biggest disaster of all time.
While many Strictly fans are unsure as to why they haven’t previously seen the 84-year-old demonstrate his ballroom dancing prowess on the program, he admitted that he has never been invited to participate.
Sir David revealed that he was approached to feature in Strictly’s 2012 Christmas special, but declined the offer from BBC executives. On BBC Two’s 15-part restoration series David and Jay, Blades and Sir David rekindled their friendship earlier this year.
As he was facing a single charge of coercive or controlling behavior toward his wife Lisa Zbozen, Blades made an appearance at Worcester Crown Court today (Friday, October 11). He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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