Actress Who Played Raquel In Only Fools And Horses

So, you know how we've all been binge-watching Only Fools and Horses lately, right? I mean, who can resist Del Boy's charm and Raquel's, well, Raquel-ness? Speaking of Raquel, have you ever wondered who the actress behind that iconic character was?

Well, grab your coffee, 'cause we're about to dive into the world of Tessa Peake-Jones, the lovely lady who brought Raquel Turner to life. Now, don't go spilling your latte, but Tessa wasn't always the queen of sitcoms. She started her career in the theatre, can you believe it? I know, right? The stage lost a gem when she joined the Trotters.

From Stage to Screen

Tessa was born in London, which is probably why she fit right in with the South London crew. She started her acting journey in the West End, treading the boards in plays like The Importance of Being Earnest and An Inspector Calls. But then, in 1981, fate intervened. Or rather, John Sullivan did.

John, the genius behind Only Fools, was looking for an actress to play Raquel, Del's long-suffering girlfriend. Tessa auditioned, and the rest, as they say, is history. She landed the role, and Raquel became an instant fan favorite. I mean, who didn't love her unique way of saying, "You plonker, Del Boy!"?

Life as Raquel

Tessa spent over a decade playing Raquel, from 1981 to 1991, and then again in various specials until 2003. That's a lot of time spent in a yellow and brown flat, trying to keep Del and Rodney in line. But Tessa loved every minute of it. She once said, "I had the best time. It was like a family."

And just like a family, they had their ups and downs. Remember the time Del and Raquel got married, only for it to be annulled because Del was still married to his first wife, Peggy? Or when Raquel gave birth to their son, Damien? Tessa was there for it all, delivering those iconic lines with a straight face, even when the scripts were anything but.

Beyond Raquel

But Tessa isn't just Raquel, you know. She's had a varied career outside of Only Fools. She's been in EastEnders, Midsomer Murders, even Doctor Who. She's also a talented singer and has performed in musicals like The Sound of Music and Fiddler on the Roof.

TESSA PEAKE JONES Raquel in Only Fools & Horses -hand signed 10 x 8 ph

And here's a fun fact for you: Tessa's also a bit of a history buff. She's been involved in several historical dramas, playing everyone from Queen Mary I to Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Pride and Prejudice. I mean, can this woman do no wrong?

Still Going Strong

These days, Tessa's still acting, still singing, and still making us laugh. She's even been known to pop up in Only Fools reunions and specials. She's a national treasure, really. I mean, who else could make us laugh and cry in equal measure, all while wearing a leopard print coat?

So, the next time you're watching Only Fools, raise a glass of champagne (or a cup of coffee, I won't judge) to Tessa Peake-Jones. She's more than just Raquel, she's a true icon of British comedy.

And there you have it, folks. The story of the actress behind Raquel. Isn't it amazing how one role can define a career, yet the actress is so much more? Now, who's ready for another cuppa?