But BBC thought he didn't have star quality

David Jason was rejected for the role of Frank Spencer in Some Mothers Do 'Ave Em because BBC bosses thought he was ‘only funny in supporting roles’.

The show’s writer, Raymond Allen, revealed the snub in a new magazine interview, adding that executives believed the future Del Boy had ‘no star quality’ and would ‘always be a supporting actor’.

Allen, now 81, also revealed in Best Of British that other actors who turned down the role included slapstick veteran Norman Wisdom, who 'didn't see the jokes', and Sir David’s future Open All Hours co-star Ronnie Barker, who was too busy.

Michael Crawford eventually took the role when the sitcom began in 1973, making three series and becoming a major star.

Allen also told the magazine how difficult it was to write the show, saying: ‘People think comedy is easy to write. But you're sitting there and it's absolutely... really stressful.’

He also revealed that he was once offered good money to write just a few lines for an advert in which Spencer in drives over a cliff. 

When Allen said he was ready, the agency got a secretary to ring and take it down, the Times diary column reports today. 

‘Oh,’ he told her. 

‘Sorry, have I taken you unawares?’ she asked. 

‘No, that’s the first word: "Oh",’ he said. 

‘What’s the second?’

‘Betty,’ he replied.

And that was that.

Published: 27 Mar 2021