Only Fools and Horses fans say 'perfect' ending was 'ruined' by final scenes

Devotees of the classic sitcom Only Fools and Horses have expressed their dissatisfaction with how the series concluded, claiming that the finale "ruined" the show. The celebrated British programme, featuring the likes of Sir David Jason as Del Boy Trotter and Nicholas Lyndhurst as his brother Rodney, ran for seven seasons starting in 1981 and wrapped up in 2003.

Enthusiasts of the show hold clear memories of the final episode, Sleepless in Peckham, which was broadcast on December 25, 2003. The episode includes a moving scene where Rodney visits the grave of his mother with his newborn daughter, Joan, who is named after her, joined shortly by Del before they head off to Nelson Mandela House.

Yet some viewers contend Time on Our Hands should be considered the definitive conclusion of the series. This special from Christmas 1996 sees the Trotter brothers finally achieving their long-held aspiration to become millionaires when they stumble upon a valuable antique timepiece, reports the Express.

It captured an astonishing audience of 24.3 million and was supposed to conclude the story, until John Sullivan, the show's creator, penned three more specials that aired between 2001 and 2003. Recent sharing of a clip from Sleepless in Peckham incited a deluge of comments from fans. The Only Fools and Horses Line Twitter account posted the following: "Was this the perfect ending for #OfAH? ".

Accompanying their post was this tweet: "Was this the perfect ending for #OfAH?" In response, one individual remarked: "Time on our Hands would have been the perfect ending. It was a masterpiece! "

One fan commented: "Del, Rodders and Unc walking off into the sunset as millionaires - couldn't have been a more perfect ending. Won't say the follow on's tarnished its reputation but it was never the same, magic had gone."

Another fan shared their thoughts: "The perfect ending was the episode where they became millionaires. Completely get why it came back, but it wasn't quite the same."

A fellow fan agreed, saying: "It was a great scene but Time On Our Hands should have been the end." Meanwhile, another viewer added: "Time on our hands was the better ending but the last 3 where still brilliant and we're lucky we got another chance to watch ofah,".