Only Fools And Horses star Michael Jayston dies aged 88 after short illness-Kitty Chrisp-Entertainment – Metro

Michael Jayston, who appeared in Only Fools And Horses, has died aged 88 after ‘a short illness’, his agent has said.

The British actor is known for playing the father of Rachel ‘Raquel’ Turner (Tessa Peake-Jones) in the BBC sitcom episode where Derek Edward ‘Del Boy’ Trotter (Sir David Jason) and Rodney Trotter (Nicholas Lyndhurst) get their big break at an auction.

A statement from M&M Famous Faces on Monday, on behalf of his family, said: ‘It is with great sadness, that I have been asked by his family to share the news, Michael Jayston sadly passed away this morning after a short illness.

‘Those who knew Michael will know he was full of love, laughs and happiness. He adored meeting his fans all over the world.

‘His family and friends would appreciate privacy at this time.’

Aside from being James in Only Fools And Horses, Jayston also played a main role in historical film Nicholas And Alexandra about the last days of the Tsars in Russia and the relationship between Nicholas II of Russia and his wife.

Jayston died following a ”short illness’ his agent has announced (Picture: Can Nguyen/REX/Shutterstock)

Jayston – whose real name was Michael James – also played Valeyard in Doctor Who in the 1986 season, The Trial of a Time Lord.

Born in 1935, Jayston trained as an accountant before deciding to pursue acting at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

He also went on to star as Peter Guillam in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, and Mr Rochester in Jane Eyre

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