Only Fools and Horses had an almost completely different name because the bosses “hated” the original | Television and radio | Showbiz and television

Only Fools and Horses creator John Sullivan was under pressure from top BBC bosses over the cult comedy series’ title, even though it was a worldwide success. The late writer proposed this name back in the 1980s, but was met with a disdainful response.

John, who died in 2011 aged 64, received an OBE for his services and contribution to drama. He was responsible for several popular British comedy series that appeared on the small screen.

The program first aired on September 8, 1981 and ran for 64 episodes, which, in addition to the film, included Christmas extras. It ended on December 25, 2003, but many hoped for a reunion.

This infamous name is the biggest in the television world. If you look at the most successful Only Fools and Horses titles, titles such as Eastenders, The Office and Blackadder are common themes.

It is said that the show was originally going to be called “The Readies”, which is slang for a £50 note. It could also be called Big Brother and as we know, that is the title of the first episode.

According to The Sun, a survey was conducted at the chain’s bar asking what people thought the saying (short for “Only Fools and Horses”) meant.

It has been reported that some people thought it came from a Shakespeare quote. Although others have suggested it was the title of jockey Lester Piggott’s autobiography.

However, John created an unusual idiom by focusing on American culture.

He took a closer look at the days of the variety theater in Vaudeville in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Senior executives are said to have urged John to stick with his simpler, original show name because they felt it would be understandable to viewers.

A Cockney slang term referred to working for cash, which was often associated with working-class people in the 1980s.

It is said that if bosses had had their way, the series might not have become a household name.

The original was then broadcast and dubbed in at least 13 different countries and languages ​​around the world.

In the meantime, it attracted tens of millions of viewers and made history in 1996 when the Christmas special aired to an audience of 24.3 million fans.