Sir David Jason is one of Britain’s most beloved stars with leading roles in several iconic shows, including A Touch of Frost, Open All Hours and, of course, Only Fools and Horses.
The legendary 80s sitcom guaranteed that the actor, now aged 86, would be viewed as a national treasure, and the show is still quoted to this day and regularly named Britain’s best sitcom.
Away from the cameras, David is a proud father to two daughters. However, for 52 years, he was unaware that his eldest daughter, Abi, existed as it was believed that she had a different father.
David was, however, very involved in the raising of his daughter Sophie, who he welcomed in 2001 with his then-girlfriend, Gill Hinchcliffe.
Here’s all you need to know about Sir David’s brood…
Sophie Mae
David welcomed daughter Sophie Mae in 2001 with Gill Hinchcliffe, whom he married in 2005. The acting legend was 61 when he welcomed Sophie, and reflecting on this with the Telegraph, he said: “I suppose the thing that you miss, perhaps, is being able to do all the things a younger father would do with their child. But Sophie is lovely – when she was a baby and a small child, she was so funny, it was sheer delight.”
© Dave J HoganWhen David discovered that he had fathered Abi, Gill praised the star for how he explained the situation to Sophie, who had grown up believing that she was the Only Fools and Horses star’s only child.
Gill told the Mirror: “We obviously waited for the right moment to tell Sophie as it was a massive surprise for her too. David took her off and worded it beautifully and she took it all in with great understanding and maturity.”
Abi Harris
Abi was born in 1970 following David’s brief relationship with actress Jennifer Hill. Abi was raised believing that her father was actor Geoffrey Davison, who died in 1996.
Abi and Sir David even graced the stage together in 2008 unaware of their true relation. Following their chance encounter, Abi started to suspect that the actor could be her father due to their similarly shaped noses and his history with her mother.
© GettyDavid agreed to take a paternity test, and in 2023, it was revealed that he had fathered Abi. At the time, he released a statement to the Mirror saying: “To say it was a surprise to find out I had a daughter from years ago is an understatement. However, on settling with the news, I am delighted that I am now able to get to know Abi and so we meet up when we can.
“My wife, Gill, and daughter, Sophie, have been very supportive and understanding and have embraced Abi and welcomed her and her young son into her now wider family.”
© Joe MaherIt’s not only Abi who entered his family at the time, as Sir David also became a grandfather to Abi’s son, Charlie.
On their relationship, Abi said: “In discovering my father’s identity, I am starting to piece together my own. Of course, I am tickled pink and incredibly proud but, frequently, completely overwhelmed with sorrow for the years we have lost.”
