Paul Whitehouse, 61, reveals that Only Fools and Horses nearly KILLED him as he felt the pressure of adapting the iconic sitcom to the stage
- The TV icon, 61, admitted he felt the pressure of the iconic BBC sitcom's legacy bringing it to the stage, as it put strain on his heart following health woes
- Since it opened in February, the musical has been a runaway success
- Paul worked with Jim Sullivan, son of the show's creator John, on the stage
Paul Whitehouse has claimed taking Only Fools And Horses to the West End nearly killed him.
The TV icon, 61, admitted he felt the pressure of the iconic BBC sitcom's legacy bringing it to the stage, as it put strain on his heart following a string of health woes.
Since it opened in February, Only Fools and Horses: The Musical has been a runaway success, after Paul worked with Jim Sullivan, son of the show's late creator John, on the stage adaptation.
Heart problems: Paul Whitehouse has claimed taking Only Fools and Horses to the West End nearly killed him, as he felt the pressure of the show's legacy after taking it to the stage
Speaking to The Sun, Paul said: 'It made me ill, it almost killed me. Cabbies tell me every day it's ''Britain's best loved sitcom'', so having the weight of that on my shoulders with the fear of damaging its legacy did me in.'
One half of the comedy duo Harry & Paul with close friend Harry Enfield, Paul has had a series of health woes.
The comedian, who also stars in Gone Fishing with friend and collaborator Bob Mortimer, had part of his colon removed 14 years ago and also had three stents put in his heart after an operation.
A runaway hit! Only Fools And Horses: The Musical has been a runaway hit, and is based on the iconic BBC sitcom of the same name (pictured)
Chas Hodges, one half of musical duo Chas & Dave, died in September last year from pneumonia as a result of cancer, and Paul said it made him think about his own health.
'I did think Chas has passed, so am I going to be next? There was a lot of people looking down on us on that opening night,' he said.
'Not only Chas, but my dad died during the process and, of course, there was also John, so it was a special night for the Sullivan family. It was really emotional journey for everybody involved.'
Putting on a show: Tom Bennett (Del Boy), Paul (Author/Grandad) and Ryan Hutton (Rodney) opened the musical in February to a rousing reception
The keen angler also said he had anxieties about whether the production would do well, especially since fans of the small screen version are 'very protective.'
He also revealed that the West End show could see a return of the TV version, but it would be up to the BBC who still retain the rights.
In a recent interview with GQ Paul said he actually reckons he's too old to be working so much, especially given his heart problems.
'I’m really f*****,' he pointed out, adding: 'I think what it is, I’m a bit old to be doing Only Fools And Horses (the musical), eight shows a week, and other stuff.
'One other thing on top and I’d be fine, but the problem is I am not doing enough of my “heart-healthy exercise”.
'I’m just grabbing the odd half hour on the bike to nowhere, which is fine and keeps me ticking over, but I’d rather be doing more structured heart rehab exercises.'
Reliant Regal: A Reliant Robin car similar to the one featured in the television series was parked on the red carpet for the show's premiere in February
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Paul Whitehouse, 61, says stage adaption of Only Fools and Horses nearly sent him to an early grave - Daily Mail
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