Only Fools and Horses fans had a double take when fresh images from the forthcoming Frasier remake were released, revealing Nicholas Lyndhurst’s role for the first time.
The 62-year-old, best remembered for his role as Rodney Trotter in the legendary BBC comedy, will portray Alan, an old buddy of the radio psychiatrist, played by Kelsey Grammer, in the revival.
Kelsey previously described his new sidekick as a “great actor and a good buddy,” warning US audiences that he will be Hollywood’s next big thing.
Viewers were taken aback when the first teaser footage and images were released earlier today, ahead of the October 12 release date.
However, a snapshot of Frasier and Alan hooking up over a pint at a Boston bar left many on social media perplexed.
Nish Kumar couldn’t get over the picture, penning: ‘This is like seeing Jennifer Aniston pop up in the Brittas Empire.’
‘Honestly that picture of Nicholas Lyndhurst from the new Frasier series is blowing my mind,’ another agreed.
One penned: ‘I’m intrigued by this. I’m looking forward to seeing what the story will be and where Frasier is at now. It’s going to be great seeing Nicholas Lyndhurst in it!’
A perplexed observer compared it to a “fever dream,” while another wished for an Only Fools and Horses crossover with an appearance from David Jason.
‘Please can Lyndhurst’s role be a reprisal of Rodney. An Only Fools Frasier crossover is the crossover we didn’t know we needed,’ a follower said.
As a Twitter user added: ‘Frasier and Rodney complaining about Delboy’s latest scheme in the Nag’s Head.’
We have never needed anything more.
This is like seeing Jennifer Aniston pop up in the Brittas Empire pic.twitter.com/IlD2XhOmAB
— Nish Kumar (@MrNishKumar) August 22, 2023
Frasier and Rodney complaining about Delboy’s latest scheme in the Nag’s Head. https://t.co/n7ZsajE2r7
— Kevin (@kevinonstage) August 22, 2023
Everyone knows him as Rodney (or Dave!), but Nicholas Lyndhurst is superb in everything he appears in. Absolutely delighted he'll be in the Frasier reboot #NicholasLyndhurst pic.twitter.com/JKUkFiOGTQ
— kevws (@kevwgs) August 22, 2023
Thankfully, we won’t have to wait long, as the 10-episide return will kick off with a double-bill on Paramount+ on October 12, with fresh episodes airing weekly on Thursdays.
The official synopsis reads: ‘The new series follows Frasier Crane (Grammer) in the next chapter of his life as he returns to Boston with new challenges to face, new relationships to forge and an old dream or two to finally fulfill. Frasier has re-entered the building!
‘In addition to Grammer, the new series stars Jack Cutmore-Scott as Frasier’s son Freddy; Nicholas Lyndhurst as Frasier’s old college buddy turned university professor Alan; Toks Olagundoye as Olivia, Alan’s colleague and head of the university’s psychology department; Jess Salgueiro as Freddy’s roommate Eve; and Anders Keith as Frasier’s nephew David.’
Although Jane Leeves and David Hyde Pierce will not be repeating their roles as Daphne and Niles Crane, it was just reported that Peri Gilpin and Bebe Neuwirth would be reprising their roles as Roz Doyle and Lilith Sternin, respectively.
Frasier will premiere on October 12 on Paramount+.
