David Jason, 84, stands united alongside family during red-carpet event for first time since Only Fools and Horses co-star’s death
Sir David Jason made a public appearance at London’s Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday evening, just hours after the death of his former Only Fools and Horses co-star Diane Langton was announced.
The 84-year-old actor attended the Cirque du Soleil Corteo Premiere alongside his wife Gill Hinchcliffe and daughter Sophie.
The Del Boy Trotter actor made his first public outing since the announcement and looked in good spirits on the red carpet.
He cut a smart figure in a grey trench coat and flat cap, paired with a burgundy knitted jumper and matching trousers.
His wife Gill made a striking appearance in black and white patterned trousers and a satin top, standing alongside their daughter who stunned in a butterfly-patterned dress.
The family joined numerous other celebrities at the event, including Nicola Roberts, Georgia Toffolo, and Myleene Klass, who all brought glamour to the red-carpet event.
Diane Langton passed away on Wednesday morning following a short illness, her agent confirmed.
The actress, whose career spanned more than six decades, had recently returned to Hollyoaks for a third time before her death.
Langton was known to Only Fools and Horses fans for her role as June Snell, Del Boy’s love interest, and appeared in two episodes during 1985 and 1986.
Her agent said: “Diane had a rich and remarkable career appearing on Stage, in Films, and on television, including playing the iconic Nana McQueen in Hollyoaks from 2007 to the present day.”
The Somerset-born performer began her career as a dancer before transitioning to acting, making her film debut in the 1959 classic Carry On Teacher.
Whilst Jason enjoyed his time on the red carpet, he recently opened up about his own health issues which were likely induced by his recent operation to fit a new titanium hip.
Despite the pain he has suffered in his legs in recent months, he admitted to being thankful that such procedures are possible at all.
He told Woman’s Weekly: “My god, aren’t we lucky that we can do that? If we weren’t living in a time when these operations are normal every day, you would be crippled.”
It’s not just his legs and mobility which have been affected as he has grown older, he also told the Sunday Times: “My memory isn’t what it used to be …
“Most of us reach this point when things aren’t quite as bright as they used to be.”
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Despite having high-profile roles at the beginning of his career, it has been suggested that his portrayal of Del Boy is one of his biggest and well-known.
The series first aired in 1981 and it was long before Jason began to be recognised as a remarkable character – picking up five BAFTA’s for his role on the show.