Entertainment

The One Show viewers reveal their most beloved BBC TV programme

The poll was held as part of the BBC’s centenary celebrations.
The poll was held as part of the BBC’s centenary celebrations. The poll was held as part of the BBC’s centenary celebrations.

Only Fools And Horses has been voted the nation’s most loved BBC TV programme of all time by viewers of The One Show.

The popular BBC comedy series featured the colourful escapades of market trader Del Boy, played by Sir David Jason, and his less streetwise younger brother Rodney Trotter, portrayed by Nicholas Lyndhurst, as they go through the highs and lows of life and try to become rich.

The series, written by John Sullivan, first aired on the BBC in 1981 and ran for seven regular series until 1991, with sporadic Christmas specials airing until the show ended in 2003.

The One Show conducted the public vote as part of the BBC’s celebrations to mark its centenary in 2022.

40th anniversary of Only Fools And Horses
40th anniversary of Only Fools And Horses The popular BBC comedy featured the colourful escapades of market trader Del Boy and his younger brother Rodney (UKTV/BBC)

Sir David, 81, told The One Show: “I am delighted that Only Fools And Horses seems to be as popular as ever and that The One Show viewers have enjoyed it over the years.

“It was such a great show to be a part of and I am pleased it has given so many laughs and continues to do so to this day.

“From the brilliant writing of John Sullivan all the way down to the entire team in front of and behind the camera, let’s just say: luvvly jubbly.”

Doctor Who was voted the second most popular show, with Strictly Come Dancing, Line of Duty and Call the Midwife all making the top five.

Doctor Who
Doctor Who Doctor Who was voted the second most loved BBC show of all time (BBC/PA)

The news was announced on Friday’s episode of The One Show, which featured an appearance from Only Fools And Horses star Sue Holderness, who played Marlene Boyce, to celebrate the sitcom’s win.

The One Show presenter Alex Jones said: “It’s been a joy to look back and celebrate some classic TV shows from the BBC’s history as part of BBC 100.

“There’s been an absolutely huge response from our lovely viewers and though we couldn’t fit everything onto the list, our viewers have shown so much love for these classic shows that have connected with them across generations.”

The One Show had a panel of TV journalists, critics and programmers select a shortlist of 50 classic BBC TV shows for the viewers to vote on.

The final 50 included programmes ranging from drama to comedy, factual and natural history.

The 20 most loved BBC TV programmes as voted for by The One Show viewers are:

Only Fools and Horses


Doctor Who


Strictly Come Dancing


Line of Duty


Call The Midwife


Gavin and Stacey


Fawlty Towers


Blackadder


Morecambe and Wise Show


The Vicar of Dibley


Dad’s Army


Planet Earth I and II


Killing Eve


Dinnerladies


Yes Minister / Yes Prime Minister


Sherlock


The Good Life


Top of the Pops


The Royle Family


Blue Peter

The One Show airs on BBC One every week night at 7pm and is available on iPlayer.