Roger Lloyd-Pack was originally scripted into the new ‘Only Fools and Horses’ sketch.
The late Trigger actor – who passed away in January following a battle with pancreatic cancer – had expressed his desire to star in the charity special with Sir David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst and football legend David Beckham before his untimely passing.
The new sketch was written by Jim and Dan Sullivan, the sons of show creator John Sullivan, who passed away in 2011.
Jim said: ”It has been emotional, and dad was never far from our thoughts during the whole process.
”And, of course, we were all shocked and saddened at the news of Roger Lloyd Pack’s death. We had originally written Trigger into the sketch and Roger was supportive of the whole thing.
”We had heard he had been unwell but had no idea how serious it was. It wasn’t until shortly before filming that we heard he was too poorly to perform, such was eagerness to be involved – a true testament to his character.”
The Sport Relief sketch was conceived when David, 38, approached the brothers about doing a charity special and the duo were taken aback by what a big fan the retired football player is of the sitcom.
Jim told Radio Times magazine: ”We had no idea and it was lovely to meet him and hear him talk about his favourite episodes and scenes, and how his son, Brooklyn, is now also a fan.”
