Only Fools and Horses fans gobsmacked to learn who sang theme tune and it wasn't Rodney

Only Fools and Horses fans have been gobsmacked to discover the true vocalist behind the legendary BBC comedy's theme tune. The beloved series, which featured David Jason as cunning market trader Del Boy and Nicholas Lyndhurst as his hapless brother Rodney, is famous for its catchy refrain: "But here's the one that's driving me berserk. Why do only fools and horses work?"

For years, viewers were under the impression that Nicholas himself sang the opening number, but it was actually author John Sullivan. Sparking a lively discussion on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, the account Very British Problems posed the question: "Did anyone else grow up thinking Rodney was singing the Only Fools and Horses theme song?"

Stunned reactions came flooding in, with one follower exclaiming: "Yes and I was shocked when I found out it was actually John Sullivan because it sounded so much like Rodney, it's crazy."

A second chimed in: "I thought they all were, Rodney on lead and Trigger, Boycey and Denzel on backing." While another relieved fan confessed: "Thank goodness I thought I was the only one!"

John took the reins to pen and perform the show's ditty after reports circulated that he initially wanted Chas and Dave for the job, but upon their unavailability, the BBC nudged him to step up to the mic himself.

Woven within the iconic jingle are colloquialisms and nods to British life, reflected in lines such as "Stick a pony in my pocket", Cockney rhyming slang for £25, and references the Trotters' dubious dealings in others like "fetch the suitcase from the van" and "where it all comes from is a mystery".

The theme tune for the legendary sitcom Only Fools and Horses also famously referenced Del and Rodney's dubious merchandise, including "miles and miles of carpet tiles" and "Trevor Francis tracksuits", a nod to the English footballer of the 70s and 80s who sadly died this year.

The iconic British comedy immortalised its lead actors as the lovable Trotter brothers from Peckham's Nelson Mandela House, whose squabbles could never eclipse their familial devotion, reports the Mirror.

Recently, Sir David, aged 83, rescheduled an Only Fools And Horses fan convention due to his recovery from an operation to implant "a new bionic body part fitted".

The exact nature of the surgery remained his cheeky secret, with the Del Boy actor jesting that disclosure might trigger a surge in demand.

He stated ruefully: "I am so very sorry for the disappointment and all the inconvenience it may cause but we are having to change the date of the forthcoming Only Fools and Horses Convention.

"Unfortunately I have just been advised I need a new bionic body part fitted. I won't tell you which part it is, or you will all want one!

"And don't worry it's not being supplied by Monkey Harris, it'll be the pukka gear," he added in the message shared with fans on his Facebook account.

"I really hope everyone will be able to make the new date (January 13th and 14th )and we can all have something cushty to look forward to!

"These events are such an enjoyable celebration for myself and the rest of the Only Fools cast, and it is such a privilege to meet so many of you, but I want to do it with the smile on my face I always have had."

Only Fools and Horses is available to stream now on ITVX.