A towering model and A-list actress has been snubbed by BBC bosses for the lead role in Only Fools and Horses.
The star auditioned to play Cassandra Parry, who later married Rodney Trotter, in the BBC sitcom.
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A-list model and actress turned down for role of Cassandra in Only Fools and HorsesCredit: PA: Press Association
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The character married Rodney Trotter, becoming part of the series’ central family Credits: PA: Press Association
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Liz Hurley auditioned but was thought to be ‘too glamorous’Credit: Reuters
Liz Hurley competed for Cassandra, but it wasn’t to be.
Channel 5’s documentary Only Fools and Horses: Secrets and Scandals revealed how she just wasn’t right for the role.
Author Mike Jones explained: “She auditioned for the role and it was felt that she might be too glamorous for… how can I say this diplomatically?
“Our skinny brother Trotter.”
More about Only Fools and Horses
Had she been cast, Liz would have starred alongside Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst.
Gwyneth Strong was cast and made her first appearance as Cassandra in 1989.
She continued to play the character occasionally, most recently in 2003.
Although Liz did not make it to Peckham, she managed to complete a number of other projects.
The now 59-year-old starred in Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, playing Vanessa Kensington.
On TV, she starred in the E! primetime drama The Royals from 2015 to 2018.
Cassandra from Only Fools and Horses swaps the Nag’s Head for the Queen Vic
Lisa’s character, Helena Henstridge, was a fictional queen and member of the royal family.
The actress also played Morgan le Fay in the Marvel Comics series Runaways and Diana Payne in the teen drama Gossip Girl.
Besides Liz, other big names missed out on starring roles in Only Fools and Horses.
Oscar winner Jim Broadbent was an early contender for the role of Del Boy.
In fact, Sir David Jason believed that Jim would have been a “much more believable” role as Rodney’s brother.
This was due to the film star’s similar height to Nicholas Lyndhurst.
As Jim was unavailable at the time, he missed out on the opportunity to play Del – as did his co-star Ann Reitel.
Instead he played Del’s nemesis Roy Slater in three episodes over eight years.
The best sitcoms of the 80s
Let’s take a look at some of the best sitcoms that aired on TV in the 80s.
The Simpsons
This satirical depiction of life in the US was developed by Matt Groening, James L. Brooks and Sam Simon. It was first launched in 1989 and has been running ever since as viewers watch the antics of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and other Springfield residents. With more than 35 series that have appeared on the television airwaves, it has become one of the most famous and longest-running television shows in history.
Only Fools And Horses
Widely regarded as one of the best British sitcoms of all time, Only Fools and Horses has been making viewers laugh for decades. Seven series of the series were filmed for BBC One from 1981 for ten years. Set in working-class Peckham, it starred Sir David Jason in his most famous role as the infamous market trader Derek “Del Boy” Trotter. Nicholas Lyndhurst played his younger half-brother, Rodney Trotter. In 2004, it was voted the best British sitcom in a BBC poll.
Full house
The American sitcom Full House was created in 1987 with Bob Saget in the lead role, father of three Danny Tanner. After his wife dies, he enlists the help of his brother-in-law Jesse (John Stamos) and best friend Joey (Dave Coulier) to move in and help raise his daughters, DJ (Candace Cameron Bure), Stephanie (Jodie) Sweetin ) and Michelle (Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen). After eight seasons, the show ended before Netflix revived the spin-off franchise, Fuller House.
Golden girls
Seven series were broadcast from 1985 to 1992. It followed four women – who were previously married – moving into a shared apartment in Miami together. Together they faced various struggles and encountered comical situations in their everyday life. Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan and Estelle Getty starred in roles that catapulted them to superstardom.
cheers
1982 was the year Cheers was created. An eclectic group of people from different walks of life meet at the Cheers bar. Boston Drunk sees the group share their experiences while working and drinking in a restaurant. It starred Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman. Big names like Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson and Kirstie Alley also starred in the hit series.
Growing pains
dr. Jason Seaver (Alan Thicke) is a psychiatrist who works from home so his wife Maggie (Joanna Kerns) can pursue a career as a journalist. They have three children, Mike (Kirk Cameron), Carol (Tracey Gold) and Ben (Jeremy Miller). This was before their precocious daughter Chrissy (Ashley Johnson) was born. The program dealt with current topics such as drugs, suicide, peer pressure and alcohol.
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Although Liz was not cast as Cassandra, she appeared in several other films and TV series Credits: Times Newspapers Ltd
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Source: HIS Education