Only Fools and Horses becomes latest classic sitcom to be slapped with a trigger warning – leaving fans furious
ONLY Fools and Horses is the latest sitcom to be slapped with a ‘woke’ trigger warning.
Classics from the 70s, 80s and even 90s have been hit with disclaimers, warning of offensive or outdated language which has left fans reeling.
And now BBC classic Only Fools and Horses has become the latest victim.
All seven series of the 80s hit starring David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst and the late Lennard Pearce are on streaming platform ITVX.
However, a number of episodes have been slapped with trigger warnings for racial and ‘outdated attitudes’.
Episode six from series one, titled ‘The Russians are Coming’ and considered a fan-favourite, has a disclaimer that reads: “Contains some offensive racial language of the time.”
‘The Yellow Peril’ from the second series and ‘Who’s A Pretty Boy’ from the third also carries the same warning.
A further two episodes from the fourth instalment also have a warning, while ‘The Miracle of Peckham’ from series five warns of language that “may offend”.
Only Fools and Horses sixth and seven series are the only ones not to receive a disclaimer for now.
However, the 1985 Christmas special is slapped with a message that says: “Contains dated attitudes and behaviours and racist language some viewers may find offensive.”
Repeats of Only Fools and Horses – which officially ended in 2003 – air on digital channel U&Gold but have also been hit with warnings.
Taking to social media, one viewer vented: “On UK Gold all this weekend, there was a warning before most Only Fools and Horses episodes. Saying this episode has “OUTDATED IDEAS”. UK Gold gone woke now.”
A second fumed: “It takes a brave platform to showcase a comedy. People are desperate to be outraged and offended in this country
“Even UK Gold has to give a f***ing warning before showing an episode of Only Fools and Horses.”
The Sun has contacted ITV.
Last year we revealed how a classic episode of Midsomer Murders from 2004 was hit with a disclaimer warning of “witchcraft”.
Meanwhile, fans of sedate 1980s sitcom Terry and June have previously hit out after TV bosses added trigger warnings.
Only Fools and Horses' most memorable episodes
The beloved sitcom only aired for seven series but is still adored to this date - here are fans' most memorable scenes from the BBC hit...
- Jolly Boys’ Outing – The humorous episode was filled with disaster and also romance. It saw Del Boy, Rodney and Grandad leave Peckham for a day trip to Margate. However, their coach explodes, Rodney is arrested and Del Boy reunites with Raquel.
- Time on their Hands – The episode sees the Trotters reflect on their life in South London after finally becoming millionaires. Airing in 1996, it pulled in an incredible 24million viewers.
- A Touch of Glass – This unforgettable episode sees Del Boy and his chandelier cleaning service. In hilarious scenes, he and Rodney accidentally drop a chandelier, sending it crashing to the floor.
- Stage Fright – Raquel performs with Tony Angelino while pregnant to perform a duet – but she’s unaware he has a speech impediment.
- Yuppy Love – Derek attempts to transform himself into a high-flyer, wearing a stripped shirt and red braces. It also sees Del fall through the bar, while Rodney meets Cassandra for the first time.
- Mother Nature’s Son – Del Boy inherits an allotment from his grandad, but it’s contaminated by a yellow substance. The Peckham Spring Water business is then born – but it’s actually just tap water from Nelson Mandela House.
- Heroes and Villains – Del Boy and Rodney dress up as Batman and Robin for Harry Malcolm’s party. However, Boycie forgot to mention Harry died, and it had become a wake!
- To Hull and Back – Del Boy is convinced to smuggle diamonds from The Netherlands. PC Roy Slater intercepts them before he’s later arrested for corruption. It ends with Del throwing his £15k over the balcony thinking it was fake – when it was in fact real!
- The Russians are Coming – The threat of nuclear war looms over Peckham so the Trotters decide to batten down the hatches. They build a DIY war shelter – on the top of Mandela House.
- The Unlucky Winner Is – Rodney wins a holiday abroad after Del Boy entered him into a painting competition. However, when he lands in Spain Rodney discovers it’s a prize for children and must pretend he’s a 14-year-old child.