Sir David Jason brands co-star ‘pain in the tuchus’ as he discusses on-set clash

Sir David Jason has opened up about the challenges of working in television, recalling there were occasional tensions that flared on set and co-stars who were “a pain in the tuchus”.

The 85-year-old national treasure, best known for his iconic roles in Only Fools and Horses and Open All Hours, reflected on his decades in showbiz during a candid chat with Eamonn Holmes and Paul Coyte for their new podcast Things We Like, set to launch on May 8.

In the interview, which was shared on GB News, Jason was asked what he appreciates most in life. To which he replied: “People.”

The star explained that a lifetime in acting had brought him into contact with countless individuals and that, for the most part, they were “lovely, warm, rewarding, clever, talented,” and deeply inspiring. “You admire them and think, ‘How does he do that?’ or ‘How does she do that?’” he said.

However, not very experience was rosy. Jason admitted that now and then he encountered someone “who is a pain in the tuchus” — usually, he said, the kind who “takes themselves too seriously.” When asked if these “difficult characters” popped up more in real life or on set, Sir David replied: “Both.”

Though he didn’t name names, the acting legend acknowledged that such personalities often upset the team dynamic, creating friction. “When you’re working, it’s wonderful to work as a team,” he said. “I’m a great believer in the team and you need to appreciate that team. When you don’t, that’s when the trouble starts.”

He also warned against the rigid hierarchies that can develop in creative environments, saying they ultimately undermine morale and productivity: “It becomes a self-fulfilling process that doesn’t get the best out of anybody.”

Elsewhere in the conversation, Sir David shared a story from early in his career involving a major missed opportunity: a role in the beloved BBC sitcom Dad’s Army.

He revealed that he had been offered the part of Lance Corporal Jones and was thrilled to accept. “I went for the audition, and they were so impressed they said, ‘You’ve got the job!’” he recalled.

However, the excitement didn’t last. Just a few hours later, his agent called to say the offer had been withdrawn. “I said, ‘What? I’ve just been told I’ve got the job!’” he recounted. “My agent said, ‘Yes, but the right hand didn’t know what the left hand was doing.’”

It turned out that BBC’s Head of Entertainment at the time, Bill Cotton, had already promised the role to actor Clive Dunn.