In the United Kingdom, the annual Only Fools and Horses convention celebrates one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, giving selected fans the rare opportunity to meet the show’s legendary cast.
As Only Fools and Horses became a cultural phenomenon across the former Yugoslavia, this year’s convention couldn’t pass without visitors from the region. Among the select few were a brother and sister from Gradiška — Nikola and Jelena Stepanović.
Jelena, who lives and works in London, has been a member of the Only Fools and Horses fan club for years. As soon as she learned about the convention, she contacted the organizers and reserved a table to meet the famous Del Boy — Sir David Jason himself.
Traveled 1,800 kilometers for “Only Fools and Horses”
Nikola traveled roughly 1,800 kilometers to reach London. The convention took place in Milton Keynes, and while traveling by train, they had an unexpected encounter.
“As we were on the train, I noticed a young man looking at us. I felt a bit awkward until he suddenly asked in Serbian, ‘So, where are you two going?’ It turned out to be Slobodan from Ljubuški, who was also heading to the convention. There were a few more people from the Balkans — we even met someone from Novi Sad,” Jelena told ATV.
The event gathered around 250 fans. Many arrived dressed as Del Boy, while two guests appeared as Batman and Robin in honor of one of the show’s most hilarious episodes. Souvenirs were sold at every corner, and an auction offered original props and even episode scripts from the show. The biggest attraction, however, was the iconic yellow three-wheeler van with the Trotters Independent Trading Co. logo.
Del Boy, Raquel, Cassandra, Marlene…
Fans were greeted by actresses who played the Trotter brothers’ wives — Raquel (Tessa Peake-Jones) and Cassandra (Gwyneth Strong) — as well as Boycie’s wife Marlene (Sue Holderness) and others. The highlight came when David Jason took the stage in full character as Derek “Del Boy” Trotter, earning a standing ovation and waves of laughter. Fans then had the chance to meet and take photos with the cast.
“Jason is a very kind and polite man. When he’s in character as Del Boy, he jokes and acts cheekily, just like in the show. Out of character, his voice and demeanor completely change. He was thrilled when he heard we were from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and his wife even gave us T-shirts from the show because Nikola had traveled such a long way. They’re both well aware of how popular the series still is across the Balkans,” Jelena said.
Boycie loved Serbia and had big plans
Jelena said she spoke the most with Marlene, who explained that the late John Challis — who played Boycie — had a special affection for Serbia. It was his idea for the entire cast to visit the country and film something there.
“I invited them to come to Bosnia and Herzegovina for New Year and Christmas — they already have accommodation with us,” Jelena said with a laugh. “My dream is to bring them to Gradiška. I know it’s not realistic, but as Del Boy would say, He who dares, wins!”
Source: See Srpska
