Last Ever Only Fools And Horses Episode

Right, mate, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s have a proper natter about one of the most beloved comedy finales in British telly history. I’m talking, of course, about the last ever episode of Only Fools and Horses. You know the one—where the Trotters finally, finally, become millionaires. It’s a moment so iconic, it’s practically seared into the national memory, like burnt toast from a dodgy Argos toaster.

The Grand Finale That Nearly Wasn’t

Let’s rewind a bit. The episode we’re chatting about is called “Time on Our Hands,” which aired on Christmas Day 1996. Yes, that’s right—a whole 27 years after the show started, John Sullivan decided to give us the ultimate Christmas present: a happy ending. And what a present it was! After years of dodgy deals, falling through bar flaps, and Rodney getting married to a woman who could probably bench-press Del Boy, they finally struck gold.

The plot? Simple, really. A tiny, forgotten pocket watch—bought by Grandad for a fiver back in the day—turns out to be worth a staggering £6.2 million. I mean, can you imagine? That’s enough to buy 1,240,000 pork scratchings, or roughly one full petrol tank for a Reliant Regal. The Trotters didn’t just get rich; they got “yuppie” rich. Suddenly, Del was wearing suits that didn’t look like they came from a car boot sale, and Rodney didn’t have to worry about his hairpiece flying off in the wind.

The Big Moment: “This Time Next Year, We’ll Be Millionaires!”

You know the scene. Del Boy, standing in the living room of Nelson Mandela House, holding up the auction catalogue, and shouting, “This time next year, we’ll be millionaires!” Except, for once, it wasn’t just hot air. The joke is that Del had been saying that for decades, but this time, the universe finally listened. It’s like the show’s version of a lottery win, but with more dodgy accents and a lot of broken furniture.

The auction itself is pure comedy gold. There’s the tension, the bidding war, and then—BOOM—the hammer goes down at £6.2 million. I swear, you can hear the nation collectively gasp and then burst into laughter. Even the auctioneer looks gobsmacked. It’s the kind of moment that makes you want to high-five your telly. And let’s not forget the moment Del and Rodney hug it out, with Uncle Albert just trying not to fall asleep in the corner. Beautiful, really.

Why This Ending Works So Well

Here’s the thing about Only Fools and Horses: it was never about the money. It was about family, dreams, and the relentless, glorious failure of trying to be something you’re not. But by giving them a win—by letting them finally succeed—John Sullivan did something magical. He rewarded the audience for sticking with the Trotters through all the rubbish tips, the nicked briefcases, and the endless cups of tea.

It’s also a huge relief. Honestly, if the show had ended with them still skint, I think we’d all have needed therapy. Instead, we got a fairytale. It’s like if EastEnders ended with everyone winning the lottery and moving to the Bahamas. It’s pure, unadulterated joy. And let’s be real—Rodney and Cassandra’s baby being born at the same time just adds the perfect cherry on top. A new life, a new fortune, and a new chapter.

The Legacy of the Last Ever Episode

Even though there were a couple of “comeback” specials later—because you can’t keep a good Trotter down—this 1996 episode is considered the true finale by most fans. Why? Because it ends on a high note. It’s the moment where you can imagine Del-Boy retiring to a villa in Spain, Rodney finally getting a job, and Uncle Albert finding a new ceiling to paint. It’s a perfect, tidy bow on a very messy, hilarious package.

So, whenever I watch that final scene—with the family gathered around, the money in the bank, and Del grinning like a Cheshire cat—I can’t help but feel a little emotional. It’s the ultimate underdog story. And it reminds us that sometimes, just sometimes, the dream does come true. Even if you have to wait until you’re almost sixty.

Uplifting Conclusion: More Than Just a Laugh

Alright, let’s wrap this up, shall we? The last ever episode of Only Fools and Horses isn’t just about a bunch of Cockney geezers getting rich. It’s a celebration of resilience. It’s a reminder that even when life throws you a crate of lumpy, broken vases, you can still find a way to sell them for a profit. It’s a testament to the power of hope, love, and a very dodgy mustache.

So next time you’re feeling a bit down, or you’ve had a rubbish day at work, just remember the Trotters. Remember that they spent years falling through bars, selling knocked-off perfumes, and living in a council flat. And yet, they ended up on top. If they can do it, honestly, so can you. Just maybe don’t try to pass off a plastic rat as a rare antique. Stick to the pocket watches.

And with that, I’ll leave you with Del Boy’s immortal words: “He who dares, wins, Rodney. He who dares, wins.” Now go out there and dare a little. And if you fail? Well, there’s always next year’s Christmas special. Cheers, mate.