Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were delighted as they sat down with Sir David Jason on the latest edition of This Morning. The hosting duo were back at the helm of the ITV daytime show on Thursday (October 13) when they were joined live on the sofa by the Only Fools and Horses legend.
The actor's appearance on the popular programme comes after he revealed he collapsed this summer after suffering from “seriously bad” Covid. Sir David told BBC Breakfast on Wednesday (October 12) that he caught the virus in July after staying well during the height of the pandemic.
He said: "I got it seriously bad. Because all the muscles weren’t working, I collapsed and I fell against the radiator… I was so weak, I couldn’t get up." Sir David said he had attempted to go to the toilet one day and spent 45 minutes trying to move until being found. "I crawled to the bed," he said.
"The muscles weren’t working and I used the bed to try and stand up so that I could go to where I wanted to get, and also get back into bed, and I couldn’t… I tried for about a quarter of an hour, trying all sorts of things to stand up so I could walk about." The Touch of Frost star said he made "walrus" movements to move towards the door before he was discovered by his wife.
But during his This Morning appearance, Sir David appeared in good spirits as he chatted about his new festive memoir. The acting veteran, 82, was chatting about he upcoming book, The Twelve Dels of Christmas and spoke about his own favourite Only Fools and Horses Christmas moment - which just so happened to be when the coach blowed up in The Jolly Boys Outing in 1989.
While Sir David said he is "half and half" with Christmas which was "very romantic" and "all about religion" when he was younger, Phillip, 60, pointed out the TV star, thanks to Only Fools, managed to get families together at Christmas. "The show itself was very family-orientated," Sir David said. "It always showed the ups and downs. It was never all romantic and wonderful."
However, prior to his interview, Sir David was seen on the famous This Morning studio while the hosts played a game of Spin To Win. The game made a return to the show this week following a backlash in September. And the game, which can see viewers win a cash prize and bag of This Morning branded goodies, didn't quite go to plan.
The several viewers they tried to call failed to pick up the phone during the game, all while Sir David watched on, appearing slightly perplexed by what was going on. "We haven't got time to muck about," Phillip even said at one point and referenced Sir David who pretended to fall asleep.
But the moment left This Morning viewers rushing to social media to complain. @CarrieGagen complained: "Making David Jason sit there like a spare part while they play a stupid game. Waste of the guys time. #thismorning." @Flat__l1ned said: "@thismorning Good grief these callers! Let David Jason have more time for his chat. Triffic! #ThisMorning."
@tonimilw moaned: "Poor David Jason having to put up with these two. He really is a national treasure #ThisMorning." While @XxLadyClaireXx posted: "Wonderful to hear Sir David talking. Nowhere near long enough. #ThisMorning." And @EnfieldGarry said: "Let him finish, poor David Jason. #ThisMorning."
@cherylscribs tweeted: "Sir David Jason should be wrapped in bubble wrap and protected at all costs #ThisMorning." @LisaM_Catchpole echoed: "#thismorning David Jason... He needs protecting forever."
READ NEXT:
- ITV This Morning's Alison Hammond declares love for Dermot O'Leary after he attended the doctor with her
- Holly Willoughby sends 'we love you' message to ITV This Morning viewers after recent backlash
- ITV This Morning fans disgusted at guest's freezer suggestion to save money with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield
- ITV This Morning divide as fans scream 'just no' over The Speakmans recreating Pussycat Dolls music video
- Holly Willoughby stuns in new woodland-inspired photoshoot as she says people 'haven't figured her out'
