David Jason left the hosts of The One Show looking uncomfortable after revealing that he makes jokes when people “bend over” on set.
The Only Fools and Horses star, 79, was being interviewed by Michelle Ackerley and Amol Rajan when he said he was once presented with a “golden sausage” trophy for making the best innuendos on set.
“If I see something with any male or female – usually it’s the females I must admit – usually I will pass comment and observe and put it on camera and they’ll save it,’ Jason explained.
“We can’t use it because it’s a bit sensitive, so what I got was an award and it’s a golden sausage – it’s the award for the best innuendo.”
As the hosts laughed along, Jason elaborated upon what prompted the innuendos, saying: “You’ve got to use your imagination… What was it that I saying or what was I doing? You daren’t bend down if I’m in the show.”
Ackerley and Rajan swiftly moved the conversation along.
Jason, who played Del Boy in the beloved sitcom, was criticised by some on social media, with one writing: “It’s not being sensitive, or a snowflake, or a soft leftie to point out that the second sentence is not okay.”
Others jumped to the actor’s defence. “The man is a national treasure, a kind, respectful person and never got into any scandals throughout his career,” a fan tweeted, while another wrote: “”David Jason makes jokes that were popular in his early lifetime. Jokes that could still be subjectively funny now. That’s what humour is: Subjective.
“He didn’t say he groped female colleagues he was making a joke, It’s a dangerous thing to imply he did. Leave him be.”
Jason also starred in sitcoms Open All Hours, Porridge and A Bit of a Do.
