Only Fools And Horses legend Nicholas Lyndhurst will become a bigger name in the US at the age of 62.
The actor first appeared in the reboot of iconic American comedy Frasier in October last year, and his role is only set to get bigger.
With fans of the show engrossed by the stoic British personality of his character, Alan Cornwall, the writers are eager to explore his past when filming resumes next year.
A television insider said Sun: ‘Viewers are fascinated by Alan and want to know more about him.
“The writers are discussing ideas about their family and potentially bringing in new faces to help their stories.”
Only Fools And Horses legend Nicholas Lyndhurst will become a bigger name in the US at the age of 62 (pictured in 2019)
The writers are interested in expanding Nicholas’ role (from left: Toks Olagundoye as Olivia, Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Alan)
The actor is well known on this side of the pond for playing Rodney Trotter in the famous British comedy Only Fools And Horses.
The series, which aired from 1981 to 2003, saw Rodney, Del Boy and Grandad running around a run-down estate in Peckham making a series of dodgy deals in a bid to become millionaires.
The comedy show’s honesty and hilarity became a cornerstone of British culture, and British adults voted it the best comedy series of all time in 2023.
Now Nicholas is gaining quite the reputation across the Atlantic in the role of Alan, a former friend of Dr. Frasier Cane (Kelsey Grammar) from Oxford University.
In the absence of Frasier’s on-screen brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce) in the show’s repeat run, Alan’s deadpan humor quickly puts the psychologist-turned-lecturer in his place.
It’s not just the writers who have been eager to explore Alan’s backstory, fellow British actor Jack Cutmore-Scott, who plays Frasier’s son Freddy, has also supported the idea.
He told The Sun: “I would love to meet Alan’s mother or his parents.” I think Maggie Smith would be perfect. If you are available, Maggie, please let us know.
During a US television event in February, star of the hit 90s comedy Kelsey called the Only Fools And Horses star a “comedy genius” and a “national treasure”.
Nicholas is best known for his portrayal of Rodney Trotter on the iconic British show Only Fools And Horses (pictured, 1981 LR: Lennard Pearce; David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst).
He added that the sitcom reboot, which originally ran from 1993 to 2004, has given the actor the opportunity to showcase his acting skills and abilities in the United States.
Kelsey said he was “ecstatic” to be working with the British actor and described the experience as a “pleasure.”
The announcement of the actor’s expanded role comes after it was confirmed that the revived version of the 1990s comedy has been officially renewed for a second season.
Paramount+ executive vice president of programming Jeff Grossman praised Kelsey for reviving her former role as a radio psychiatrist.
‘Kelsey made a triumphant return as one of television’s most iconic and beloved characters. “The new series introduced Frasier to a whole new generation while also reminding fans of Kelsey’s truly timeless portrayal of Dr. Crane,” he said.
“We are very excited to see what the creative team and magnificent cast bring to the table for season two.”
Grammer himself also issued a statement to show his excitement at being able to play the psychiatrist in the show’s new series.
“Frasier is a love story and I am very happy that we are allowed to continue it,” she said.
The first season of the reboot focused on the main character, who traveled back to Boston in an attempt to revive his relationship with his son Frederick.
In addition to Nicholas Lyndhurst, the reboot featured new faces such as Toks Olagundoye as Olivia and Jess Salgueiro playing Eve.
Bebe Neuwirth and Peri Gilpin returned to the show to reprise their roles as Lilith Sternin and Roz Doyle, respectively.
Only Fools And Horses was a hit with Brits, having been voted the best comedy series of all time in 2023 (LR in 1996: David Jason as Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney)
Frasier star Kelsey Grammer (left) called Nicholas a “national treasure” and a “comedy genius.”