For fans of great British comedy, this is a milestone year. It was 25 years ago that we were introduced to Del Boy Trotter and his 'plonker' of a brother Rodney in Only Fools and Horses. The endearing duo, portrayed so memorably by Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, became such a part of British consciousness that the final episode of a Christmas trilogy in 1996 drew 24.5 million viewers. The land of the backstreet market and the 'fly boy ' selling his knock off goods had created its own record, and in a 2004 BBC poll the programme was voted the most popular British comedy ever made. Living proof, as the old saying goes, that “only fools and horses work.”

The superb writing and great ensemble acting were undoubtedly what gave the show its warmth and appeal. Scriptwriter John Sullivan had already written the successful Citizen Smith, which propelled the wonderful Robert Lindsay to stardom. One of the episode titles for that series was Only Fools and Horses, but the working title of this new show, featuring the two wheeler dealer brothers, was Readies. Sullivan and producer Ray Butt had once worked the street markets, and the writer had a brilliant ear for the lingo and patter of Peckham, South London.

With former child star Lyndhurst cast as the brighter but less street smart younger brother, and Lennard Pearce as the layabout grumbling Grandad, the other key role was that of Derek Trotter. Various actors, including future Oscar winner Jim Broadbent were considered for the part, but after watching a repeat of the shopkeeping comedy Open All Hours, the producers wanted David Jason.

Viewing figures for the first series were unremarkable, and if the show had aired on ITV,where more instant popularity is required for a show to return, it may never have gone beyond the first series. It was only after the second series was repeated that word of mouth propelled the show into the spotlight it deserved. Following the lives, loves and shenanigans of the Trotters over seven series, ending in 1991, the programme returned for Christmas specials, and culminated with the spectacular viewing figures of 1996 . Del and Rodders struck it rich in that final episode, on selling an antique watch for ₤6 million, but their return for three more specials from 2001-2003 saw a downturn in fortune again.

The characters and storylines of shady dealers trying to make a quick profit at any cost, while driving around in a rusted out three wheeled Robin Reliant was so much of its time- the eighties in Thatcher's Britain- when it seemed everyone had yuppie aspirations. The show always managed to maintain that delicate balance between humour and pathos- even when dealing with tricky subjects like the death of Grandad, and Cassandra's miscarriage.

Only Fools and Horses hasn't had the success it deserves on this side of the Atlantic, although many US viewers are clamouring for it to be shown on BBC America. Among the reasons given for not airing it is the possible difficulty understanding the accents and dialogue. This shouldn't be an impediment; the rhythm and repetition of those key phrases like 'lovely jubberly' (excellent) and the scorn Del puts into 'plonker' (idiot) should need no translation. Viewers in Canada have been lucky enough to see it on their BBC channel, and viewers across North America can now pick up all seven series on DVD. For some sidesplitting moments, you should try a trip down “hookie street,” and see Sir David Jason before he became Inspector Frost, complete with camel coat and chunky gold jewellery.