11 Best One-Off Only Fools And Horses Characters

Appearing in the show’s fourth episode, Pauline Harris is the first on-screen girlfriend of Del. After bumping into each other for the first time in twelve years, Pauline and Del quickly get engaged. While Del is rosy-eyed, Rodney and Grandad remember how bad their previous relationship had ended.

Pauline quickly establishes herself in the flat and complains about the lifestyles of Del’s family, urging Del to put Grandad in a Care Home and for them to get a place without Rodney. Not only that, but it is revealed that both of Pauline’s previous spouses died from mysterious causes.

After she urges Del to take out a life insurance policy, Rodney and Grandad become more suspicious and plead with Del to leave her. After Del refuses, Rodney and Grandad decide to leave the flat. Faced with losing his family, Del leaves Pauline a Dear John letter and leaves with them. Upon returning, Pauline got revenge by leaving the phone on a call with a premium number.

At this stage of the show, every woman character was one-dimensional. However, Pauline’s power in the episode is noteworthy and is the first example of the loyalty felt between the Trotters. While Del is desperate to go above his station, he is not willing to do so at the cost of his family.