Novel to chart Trotter's teen years

Only Fools and Horses creator John Sullivan is writing a novel based on Del Boy's early years.

The book, which could be adapted for TV, will reveal more about his mother and the birth of Rodney.

And Sullivan says he has other ideas for possible sitcom spin-offs that don't involve Del and Rodney.

Sullivan said: "The book I'm writing at the moment goes back to the Sixties and concentrates a lot on Del Boy's mother - the much-maligned Mavis.

"I want to see the life Del had in that 14 to 17-year age. I'll be dealing with his school life,and Del becoming a Mod.

"As far as spin-offs are concerned, it's been suggested often doing one called The Nag's Head without the Trotters, just the others.

"I think it could happen, it could be food it's whether you would miss that input. Whether you would feel there was a hole there you could never fill- I don't know whether that could ever work."

He said another option was a series following Boycie and Marlene buying a chateau in France, struggling to cope in their new environment without changing their attitude.

Sullivan was interviewed for the launch of the BBC's new official Only Fools and Horses home page.

Published: 30 Dec 2002