20 Best British TV Comedy Characters Of All Time

When thinking of the best sitcoms in the realm of UK television, Only Fools and Horses always springs to mind first. It is quintessentially British in every aspect of its setting, characters, culture and humour. It spanned for over three decades of TV with many episodes breaking records for highest views and ratings.

Starting off with a small cast, Only Fools and Horses saw two brothers make several attempts at get-rich-quick schemes as well as selling low-quality goods, all whilst living in a high-rise council flat. The show has a way of making its audience sympathise with black market traders because the leading characters were often described as lovable and harmless. As the years went by, the ensemble grew bigger and the main characters became more complex and multidimensional. It’s an absolutely beloved series, one that would make you proud to be British.

The beating heart of the show? Del Boy. Whilst the entire sitcom boasts a strong cast of actors, it’s David Jason as the endearing, cheeky Derek Trotter who carried the series along over the years. An ambitious man with the gift of the gab, Del Boy’s optimism and confidence to keep on going after each spectacular failure is what kept viewers returning to each episode. He is abundant with memorable catchphrases and typical Cockney slang, the most famous one being “this time next year, we’ll be millionaires” as well as “lovely jubbly!” and “you plonker!”.

Although Del Boy may act dishonestly, it is all done out of love in order to provide for his aspiring brother and ever-growing family. Charming and surprisingly sensitive, it’s no wonder that the character of Derek Trotter became a firmament of British culture.