BBC Only Fools and Horses' saddest scene which had studio audiences 'in tears'

BBC's Only Fools and Horses is arguably known for its relatable characters and iconic storylines, but underneath the jokes, there was sometimes sadness. The character of Del Boy Trotter was loved for being relatable and brought joy to millions of viewers watching at home, and his optimism spread to many who became fans. However, Del's character did experience an emotional moment in what has sometimes been labelled as the show's "saddest scene". In 1989, as part of the second-to-last full season of the show, the episode Little Problems saw Rodney and Cassandra finally get married. Despite being a happy occasion, the episode also reflected why Del Boy was never able to settle down.

During the episode, Rodney told Del that he was disappointed after failing his computing exam and that he was desperate for £2,000 for his new flat to share with Cassandra.

Del said that these were just "little problems," and as a good friend, he decided to help him out and give him the £2,000 as a wedding present. He also bribed Rodney's teacher with money to make sure that he passed his exam without Rodney's knowledge.

However, the £2K was originally promised to the notorious crime bosses, the Driscoll Brothers, who appeared during Rodney's stag night. Rodney later confronts Del, thinking he's had too much to drink and is feeling sick from the alcohol, forcing him to miss his stag do.

But in reality, Del has been beaten up by the Driscolls in order to hold onto the money so he can give it to Rodney for his flat.

Later in the episode, at the wedding reception, Del is asked why he never married despite being engaged several times to different women. He then explains that it was all because of Rodney, and none of Del's past girlfriends wanted to help raise him.

Del explained: "They wanted to get married, but they didn't want to raise Rodney. What was I supposed to do? Get married and put Rodney into care? Nahh. So, I elbowed, it's family init."

Despite being told he should be proud of himself, Del is later left all alone during the wedding reception. Simply Red's Holding Back the Years is then playing in the background, and tears begin to form as the loneliness hits hard.

For many who watched it at home, it was a real tearjerker. This apparently included those in the studio, as producer Gareth Gwenlan previously shared that members of the audience were "in tears" as the emotional scene was being recorded.

One person described it on social media: "Only Fools and Horses - Little problems is the saddest episode, actually feel like crying at the end!"

Another said on Reddit: "Del standing alone in the Nags Head at the end of Little Problems always puts a little lump in my throat."