Actor from Only Fools and Horses, known for playing Del Boy’s son, looks remarkably different two decades after iconic role

 

Ben Smith, who portrayed Del Boy Trotter’s son Damien in the 2001 festive special of Only Fools and Horses, appears remarkably different two decades on.

Now 33, the actor has undergone significant changes since his role as David Jason’s on-screen son – and Nicholas Lyndhurst’s nephew – in the beloved show.

Renowned for its iconic one-liners and unforgettable scenes, Only Fools and Horses remains a cherished sitcom among Britons.

Ben reprised his role as Damien twice between 2001 and 2003, the last airing of the show. At an Only Fools fan convention in 2012, he expressed pride in being one of six actors to have portrayed Damien on the popular show.

In an interview with iFL TV, he remarked, “Damien really embodies a contemporary, youthful Del Boy – a version we never quite witnessed at the series’ outset. From the show’s references to his younger days, he seemed quite the ‘jack the lad’. I reckon Damien truly encapsulates a modern take on him, staying current with rap and contemporary culture.”

At the Peterborough convention, Ben highlighted the enduring strength of the show’s fanbase, despite no new episodes airing since 2003. Following his stint as Damien, Ben has graced screens in various TV series such as Doctor Who, Silent Witness, Accused, Scott and Bailey, Holby City, as well as featuring in films like Nowhere Boy and the BBC drama Accused Frankie’s Story, centered on a young soldier facing trial.

He made an appearance in EastEnders as Tegs Teague for a brief stint back in 2008. His character, the head of a gang known as ‘the E20’, stirred up trouble in the market, causing quite a bother for Dot Branning, portrayed by June Brown, and attempted to verbally assault Shirley Carter, played by Linda Henry.

Tegs brought chaos to Albert Square during his short stay and ended up stabbing Jay Brown, played by Jamie Borthwick, before being apprehended. There hasn’t been a return of this character since. Aside from this role, Ben also appeared in a 2015 episode of the crime drama No Offence and more recently, he took on the character of Robbie Lennox in the 2019 TV series Resistance.

The new series follows on from the 2016 show ‘Rebellion,’ which captured the events of the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland. This sequel takes us a few years ahead in the storyline. Actor Ben, known for his roles in series like Spooks, Misfits, and films such as ‘Come Out of the Woods’ and ‘Passer By,’ joins the cast, adding to his impressive TV and movie credits.

Earlier this year, OK! Magazine caught up with the stars of ‘Only Fools and Horses,’ sharing updates on where actors like John Challis and Patrick Murray, who played Boycie and Mickey Pearce respectively, are now.

In August, David Jason provided fans with a health update following his withdrawal from several shows due to a planned medical procedure.