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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Christopher Megrath

Les Dennis bags iconic Only Fools and Horses role

Les Dennis will be taking on the role of Grandad in the Only Fools & Horses musical stage show.

Comedians Les Dennis and Paul Whitehouse joined This Morning to discuss a big move coming to both of their careers. Based on the BBC hit comedy series Only Fools and Horses, Paul has been taking on the role of Grandad in the stage show for several years. Ready to pass on the torch, Les will be taking over from October.

The pair spoke with Alison and Dermot to discuss the move, with Paul, who co-wrote the musical, explaining how the idea came to fruition. When asked whether or not the original cast had a say in the stage show, Paul said: "No they didn't.

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"We had a great knowledge of everything that went on but I know we wanted to base things on the early episodes and dates."

Alison noted there are 20 years of content to pull from so the decision to pinpoint specific moments for the show "must have been difficult." Paul said: "It was a collaborative process really and we whittled it down and down but kept those big gags and references in but we had to add the actual music and dances where people think "why are they dancing, knock him spark out."

Les said: "People come round to it pretty quick and it doesn't feel unnatural at all really. I'm so excited, like everyone else, I would tune in weekly to watch the exploits of the Trotters and would laugh and cry in equal measure. It was both funny and touching.

He added: "Jim [Sullivan] and Paul have written a wonderful show that beautifully recreates that feel-good era of British comedy. I can’t wait to join the hugely talented cast and be a part of it."

Discussing some of their favourite moments, everyone agreed the chandelier scene was a stand-out, but Les said "there are so many to choose from" which is one of the reasons he was so thrilled to be a part of the show. He added the comedy has been able to transcend generations and still holds up incredibly well to this day.

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