Sir David Jason in health scare as he's left 'bruised like a boxer' after surgery

Only Fools and Horses legend Sir David Jason has shared a 'terrifying' health battle he endured in his later years, ahead of his 85th birthday next month

Sir David Jason has opened up about a "terrifying" health ordeal that left him looking "bruised like a boxer".

In his new memoir, 'This Time Next Year', the Only Fools and Horses icon, now 84, delves into the hip problems he's faced, crediting them to his lively stint in the entertainment industry.

He reminisces about his time "bouncing off beds and sofas" and executing bold leaps through hatches. Fast forward to 2023, Sir David went under the knife for a hip replacement, choosing a titanium hip, which prompted him to quip about "becoming Captain Scarlet".

Despite his characteristic optimism, Sir David didn't shy away from expressing his apprehension about the operation, especially the anticipated pain after waking up.

He shares a light-hearted moment with his surgeon: "But the operation was, I confess, a pretty terrifying prospect, even though I knew I would be anaesthetised during the worst of it and therefore not around to listen to the hammering and the sawing and whatever else those doctors were going to be getting up to while I sweetly slumbered."

He continued: "'Will I be able to play the trombone afterwards? ' I asked the surgeon. 'Yes, absolutely', he replied. 'Well, that's a bonus', I said, 'because I've always wanted to be able to'."

However, the surgeon's heads-up about post-surgery discomfort was a bit of an understatement, Sir David suggests: "'You'll be uncomfortable for a while', the surgeon also warned me. He wasn't kidding."

After his surgery, Sir David described feeling like he'd undergone an "archaeological excavation", coming out "bruised like a boxer" and "stitched up like a tapestry". But the discomfort didn't stop there; he also mentioned having sleep disturbances due to pain when turning on his side, which often woke him up.

The beloved actor, best known for his iconic portrayal of Del Boy in the BBC's hit comedy, opened up about his career during a cosy chat with Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard on This Morning.

In a candid moment, Sir David confessed his pride in the "successful" series but revealed that he has been living in the shadow of his character for over four decades.

He reflected on how much he has changed "an awful lot since" and shared his slight irritation that fans seem to celebrate his role in Only Fools more than his other work.

Nevertheless, he admitted that carrying the legacy of the character is a burden he must bear, though it's a "lovely one". Sir David, whose career also includes roles in Porridge and A Touch of Frost, marvelled at the enduring impact of the show.

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