Only Fools and Horses legend reveals he’s had lifesaving cancer operation – and has one last wish for the sitcom

ONLY Fools and Horses favorite Patrick Murray says recent cancer surgery saved his life – and now one of his greatest wishes is to revitalize the sitcom with co-star Sir David Jason.

The actor, who played Mickey Pearce in the BBC1 classic, thanked Professor Nigel Heaton – footballer George Best’s surgeon – for removing half his liver, which contained a tumour.

9

He is now hoping his next scan will declare him cancer-free, giving him the opportunity to work alongside Sir David, who said last year he would play Del Boy one last time.

Patrick said: “I would love it. Get back together with all the cast and see how all the characters have evolved.

“Mickey will probably have a little Mickey running around. If the quality of the script was there, I suppose the others would like it too.”

Patrick is confident a reboot could work, despite the deaths of series writer John Sullivan, as well as John Challis, who played Boycie, and Trigger actor Roger Lloyd Pack.

He said, “John Sullivan was such a great writer, but his son Jim is really good and I’m sure he could do it.”

Jim wrote seven episodes of the spin-off The Green Green Grass and co-wrote the musical Only Fools West End.

Patrick discovered a new tumor in his lungs during chemotherapy, which prompted his surgery last week.

He said: “I had the same surgeon as George Best, Professor Nigel Heaton, and he was delighted with the result as the tumor was not in a good place. So I am eternally grateful to him.

“Amazingly, the liver will grow back in four weeks – I couldn’t believe it when he told me.”

It was announced on Friday that Nicholas Lyndhurst will star in the reboot of US sitcom Frasier after taking time off from acting following the death of his 19-year-old son Archie in 2020.

Patrick admits he’s not sure Nicholas would reprise his role as Rodney Trotter.

He said: “He had a tragic time losing his son. I can’t imagine what he went through. Archie was so young. And he was a good boy.”

After so much pain and loss, it would be great if a reboot could bring some joy to the comedy cast.

PIXIE’S BIG DAY PISTE UP

PIXIE LOTT looks absolutely gorgeous for her 32nd birthday après-ski party with friends in a £1,470 Pucci all-in-one.

It was the second round of celebrations after visiting Mayfair’s Sparrow Italia restaurant with her family a few days earlier.

9

9

The Voice Kids coach also marked another big year for the celebratory show after 3.2million tuned in to watch one of her team, 14-year-old Israella Chris, be crowned the winner less than three weeks ago .

Pixie skis so high that she didn’t even have to walk to the slopes to get on the slopes, instead joining her friends at a rooftop bar in London.

I think it would have been a bit warm on the tube ride there though.

9

HELENS BARKER AND BITE

HELENA BONHAM CARTER has slammed TV bosses over her treatment of veteran female stars.

The actress is particularly furious with the BBC for dropping Sue Barker as the presenter of A Question Of Sport in 2020 after 24 years, despite good ratings and a hit with viewers.

9

The screen legend told Radio Times: “When Sue Barker left A Question Of Sport she said she had no choice. . . I still think there’s a terrible age thing in women.

“Look at the men. It’s like, ‘You’re ancient!’ Why isn’t it ‘time to move on’ for them?”

This is a hot topic for Helena due to her starring role in upcoming ITVX drama Nolly.

It tells the story of Crossroads’ Noele Gordon, who was pulled without warning after playing fan favorite Meg Mortimer for 17 years.

TORODE IS AN AGAIN

IF John Torode in Lycra is your thing, get ready for a true breakfast buffet.

The TV chef is back in his skintight bike gear to saddle up for another series of his Torode On The Road for This Morning.

9

This time John will explore the Northumberland coast and visit places like Holy Island which is accessible via a road that only comes up at low tide.

Other locations include Bamburgh Castle and Howick Hall – home of Earl Gray tea.

His previous excursions included a trip around Scotland and England’s Jurassic Coast.

John told me: “I’m on my way again! With culinary delights from castle to country, Northumberland has never tasted so good.”

The new series begins tomorrow from 10am on ITV1’s This Morning.

Boozer reinforced by Ryan

WHEN Ryan Reynolds and actor-pal Rob McElhenney brought Disney+ cameras to North Wales, it did much more than just Wrexham AFC, the local football team they bought.

Docuseries Welcome To Wrexham has also had a decent impact on the town’s pub.

9

The Turf landlord Wayne Jones has opened up about how Deadpool star Ryan has offered his family free use of his £5million holiday home in upstate New York.

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia actor Rob even gave the pub £6,000 worth of vintage whiskey for Christmas.

Thanks to the series, the Turf’s tills are still ringing and American fans besiege the pub when they visit town.

Bottom up!

Time to shine 9 Sir Ian

THE cast of Bafta-winning black comedy Inside No. 9 already reads like a Who’s Who of British acting talent.

But the show’s creators and stars, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, have another big name in their sights.

9

Steve said: “Sir Ian McKellen – we’d love to put him in an episode.”

Reece added: “But it would have to be a good part. We don’t want to waste his considerable talents.”

The show has previously starred Sir Derek Jacobi, Sheridan Smith, Jenna Coleman, Adrian Dunbar, Keeley Hawes and many more.

I revealed last month how Reece and Steve plan to launch Inside No. 9 to end after the upcoming ninth season.