Chateauneuf du Pape! Is London about to get a golden statue of Del Boy from Only Fools and Horses?
A petition has been launched, requesting Ealing Council's permission to erect the shimmering likeness of David Jason outside the Acton flats that posed as Nelson Mandela House in the BBC sitcom, which ran from 1981-2003.
Earlier this year it was reported that the flats were being torn down, to make way for new builds.
The petition — launched by Gold TV, and yes, this does smack of PR stunt — is looking for 1,500 signatures, which it'll use to urge the council to allow either a gold Del Boy or gold Robin Reliant car to be installed outside the (erstwhile) Harlech Tower. The grotty tower block stars in the opening credits of Only Fools, and will be instantly recognisable to countless fans of the show.
John Challis, who played Boycie in the sitcom, and has jumped on board this project, says: "The towers carry a lot of nostalgia for many of us – not just the cast, but everyone who has enjoyed watching the show over the years. While we don't want to stand in the way of any progress being made, we do want to commemorate the towers' long-standing connection to Only Fools and Horses and its British comedy legacy."
The golden statues are perhaps as far-fetched as one of Del Boy's get rich quick schemes, but Gold has a Plan C in the form of a somewhat more realistic golden plaque.
It feels right to honour a high-rise, that is actually just as iconic as The Shard or the BT Tower — and we reckon Ealing Council should at least give the plaque the thumbs-up, provided Gold pays for it and its installation. Oh, and make it out of real gold too. Only the creme de la menthe for Del Boy.
You can sign the petition on the Change website.
