Iconic 80s sitcom star ditches TV to work in care home and live in caravan

Only Fools and Horses gave massive career boosts to some of its biggest stars, including Nicholas Lyndhurst and Sir David Jason.

But for some of the show’s other cast members, it seems a simpler life was far more tempting than the glitz and glamour of starring in a major BBC sitcom.

The series ran for 10 years between 1981 and 1991, with a whopping 16 specials keeping it on the air for another 12 years after its original finale.

But while Del Boy and Rodney took the limelight in the legendary series, some lesser-spotted side characters stole the hearts of viewers too.

In an 1985 episode, one-time character Mental Mickey popped up, lead singer of A Bunch of Wallies, a band Del Boy managed which also included Rodney in the line-up.

Despite becoming a star on Only Fools once Rodney had left the band, with A Bunch of Wallies appearing on Top of the Pops, Mickey actor Daniel Peacock opted for a much quieter life.

Speaking to MyLondon, Daniel explained what happened after his appearance on the show: ‘I bought a caravan in Kent as I thought I really wanted to get some solitude.’

He continued: ‘I’ve always loved holiday parks. So there I am in my caravan, writing every now and then, enjoying no pressure and stress.’

However, it seems living in the caravan by himself was never a long-term option, with Daniel’s son apparently ordering him to get a job after a little while.

‘My son Charlie said, “Dad, you’re watching way too much television” and suggested I get a job’ – it’s advice he followed, securing a position at a nursing home in Hastings.

‘A lot of the residents have lived history, during and at the end of the Second World War, so you bond with people here.’

He then added that, after losing his own dad to Alzheimer’s in 2021, working with people also suffering from the disease has ‘made [him] a better person’.

‘Because my dad had been in a residential home, tragically, with the most awful disease Alzheimers, it was the first time I came face to face with this terrible condition.’

Daniel’s father was none other than Trevor Peacock, who made his name playing Jim Trott in The Vicar of Dibley, famous for his ‘No, no, no… Yes!’ catchphrase.

Trevor died aged 89 after living with dementia for 12 years, having been diagnosed in 2009. His last role was in a Vicar of Dibley special in 2015.

‘My dad died of that horrible disease,’ says Daniel, ‘But working here has made me a better person… I try to inject fun and love into every day; it doesn’t become exhausting.’

Throughout his career, Daniel also appeared in several other huge TV series, including The Young Ones, The Bill, Casualty, One Foot in the Grave, and Doctor Who.

Off camera, he wrote for shows such as Cavegirl, a short-lived comedy from 2002, and Marley’s Ghosts, which aired on UK Gold back in 2015 and starred EastEnders actress Jo Joyner.

Only Fools and Horses is available to stream on ITVX.

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