Strictly Come Dancing 2021: Sir David Jason and Huw Edwards make surprise appearance during Christmas special". Michael Fenton Stevens again delivers a rich performance, perfectly portraying the author's personality. I’ve always been a big fan of David Jason – I was brought up on his shows and have watched pretty much every episode of Only Fools and Horses, Porridge and Open All Hours plus many others of the shows he’s been in. A born practical joker, he was naturally in awe of those a little further up the ladder in the hall of fame. On 16 September 2008, Jason announced that he would step down from his role as Jack Frost after 16 years.

Seldom have I had the good fortune to read (listen) to such an entertaining, amusing and well written autobiography. Quite a chunk of the book is taken up by David’s early years and whilst I found these interesting, I do believe he could have either cut them down a little or added some more depth to stories of his later life.Although he had no theatrical training, he obviously had a natural ability which he is very modest about. Read more about the condition New: A new, unread, unused book in perfect condition with no missing or damaged pages. I didn't find this time in David's life particularly interesting, as I thought I could have been reading about any actor at that point. I’m delighted that this month I’ve actually found time to read My Life by David Jason, the book chosen by the U3A book group to which I belong.

It was fascinating getting behind the scenes glimpses into how many of the nations favourite shows were made. David Jason was already a star when I first heard of him, but which character was most like the man himself. The book itself was an enjoyable read covering David's career from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of fame. Plain speaking, warm, with a love of the art of comedy that shines though his career and through his writing. David Jason's gift for writing is rare among college graduates, and the fact that he never attended even drama school makes this book that much more exceptional.As a huge Only Fools and Horses fan, I am biased when I say I found listening to his experiences with the show the most interesting part of his life story. It is nice to get another view of some greats of the time – Sir David doesn’t hold back when telling you which celebrities were awful people! He did train as an electrician, but rarely seemed to be out of work as an actor to have to fall back on this alternative career.

It is an urban myth that a young David White, when told by Equity there was already a member with that name, chose the surname Jason as a tribute to his dead twin – I have heard this myself numerous times over the years and David quickly tells the reader the truth. For a man that doesn't do a lot of interviews and is very private, he gives away just the right amount of personal details whilst still holding on to his privacy. Born the son of a Billingsgate market porter at the height of the Second World War, David Jason spent his early life dodging bombs and bullies, both with impish good timing.

Upon receiving the knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace on 1 December 2005, he said he was "humbled" by the "fantastic tribute". In 1989, Jason starred as Ted Simcock in the ITV drama series A Bit of a Do, aired from January to December. Jason also appeared in The Next Programme Follows Almost Immediately and made appearances on panel games such as The Impressionists as well as his own series, The Jason Explanation. It wasn't until 1981, kitted out with a sheepskin jacket, a flat cap, and a clapped-out Reliant Regal, that David found the part that would capture the nation's hearts: the beloved Derek `Del Boy' Trotter in Only Fools and Horses.