10 things you didn't know about Only Fools

2: Inauspicious beginnings

It may now be one of the BBC's most beloved shows, but Only Fools and Horses was a total flop to begin with. Despite the low ratings for the first series, the Beeb decided to nurture the show by commissioning a second series.

When this failed as well, it was on the verge of being axed altogether. It was only after the first two series were repeated that people started to talk about the show, and snowballing success ensued.