Sir David Jason has signed a deal to write his autobiography – but it won’t be out until the autumn of 2012.

Random House has snapped up the rights to the book, which will cover his time on Only Fools And Horses, Open All Hours and Do Not Adjust Your Set.

Sir David Jason said: ‘I’m delighted to have found a publisher who shares my ambition for my autobiography.

‘Over the past 50 years I have had the fortunate experience of working with some of the finest actors and writers in the world. This book will be an opportunity for me to share the journey.’

Ben Dunn, publishing director of the Century imprint, added: ‘Like so many millions of Brits, I grew up watching and listening, laughing and crying to David’s on-screen genius; from Del Boy to Dangermouse to Detective Inspector Jack Frost his cannon of work is unsurpassed and I am truly honoured to be publishing a memoir that I have no doubt will be as golden as everything else he’s touched.’

Born in 1940, the youngest son of a Billingsgate market porter, Jason started his television career in 1964 playing the part of Bert Bradshaw in Crossroads.

In 1967 he performed alongside Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin in the television sketch comedy series Do Not Adjust Your Set. 

He also appeared in a variety of shows supporting stars such as Dick Emery, before his performances caught the attention of Ronnie Barker, who soon became his mentor.  In 1973, the pair starred together in Open All Hours.

In 1981 he found his most enduring and popular role, Derek 'Del-Boy' Trotter in Only Fools and Horses, created by John Sullivan, a series that ran until 2003.  In 1992, Jason moved to ITV to star as Detective Inspector Jack Frost, in a role that would continue for 16 years.

He was awarded an OBE in 1993 and a knighthood in 2005, both for services to drama.