Only Fools And Horses icon Nicholas Lyndhurst becomes unlikely star of US sitcom

28 November 2023 , 22:01

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Nicholas Lyndhurst has become a hit in the States (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Only Fools And Horses star Nicholas Lyndhurst has become the unlikely star of a US sitcom, as he continues acting at 62.

The British actor is currently starring in the reboot of US comedy series Frasier alongside Kelsey Grammer, which began airing last month. The series sees Lyndhurst play Frasier’s best friend Alan Cornwall, and has become such a hit with viewers that Grammer is confident the series will be commissioned for a second season.

The new series has already been a bit with fans who have tuned in to see Grammer reprise his role as psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane.

Nicholas Lyndhurst has become one of the favourite stars in the reboot of Frasier (PA)

Speaking in an interview with Deadline, Grammer explained the reason for his confidence as he praised the Only Fools And Horses actor. He said: "Nick Lyndhurst. He’s stealth warfare. He is just the sneakiest most talented actor I’ve ever worked with. We worked together in ­London on the musical, Man of La Mancha [in 2019].

"We made plans to get [our partners] together and we became best friends. So when the idea of Frasier having a best friend came into the mix, it was always Nicholas. I asked him when we were back in England if he’d like to be in the new Frasier. He said, 'Are you kidding? I would do anything to work with you again every day for the rest of my life.' The feeling is mutual."

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Nicholas Lyndhurst is best known for his role as Rodney Trotter on Only Fools And Horses (Getty Images)

Kelsey also confirmed that he is confident the Frasier reboot will continue to thrive, revealing they have "over 100 episodes" written. He explained: "We do have really talented writers who will come up with ideas and we’ll discuss it. It’s a collaborative effort."

The role in the Frasier reboot is one of Lyndhurst's first acting roles, as it was believed the actor had taken a break from acting following the shock death of his son Archie, who died from a brain haemorrhage in 2020 at age 19. Lyndhurst was last seen acting in 2016, so his role in the Frasier series is his first in seven years.

However in January last year, Lyndhurst denied quitting acting as he responded to rumours that he had 'retired'. Representatives for Nicholas called the claims ‘ridiculous' and said: "It is complete nonsense that Nicholas Lyndhurst is retired or retiring. "Of course, he and his wife are devastated by the sudden loss of their young son but Mr Lyndhurst will continue his career with any parts and scripts that attract him." His reps also added that 'he continues to constantly receive offers' for roles.

Niamh Spence