An avid fan of Only Fools and Horses, Barry Henderson, shed an impressive 6st after being motivated by the show's character, Del Boy. The 50 year old NHS worker, who has been a devotee of the sitcom since he was nine in 1983, had always battled with his weight, consuming up to 12 bottles of Coke and 24 bags of crisps daily. At his heaviest, Barry tipped the scales at 19st 12lbs, donning 44'' trousers and XXXL t-shirts.

However, a chance encounter with his idol, Sir David Jason, at an Only Fools and Horses Convention in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire in August 2024, changed his life overnight. During their conversation about Derek Trotter, Sir David expressed his admiration for his character's resilience and positivity, waking up each day thinking "today could be the best day of my life" despite the numerous setbacks he faced on the show.

Inspired by these words, Barry embarked on a fitness journey the very next day, hitting the gym and eliminating chocolate, crisps, and sweets from his diet. He managed to lose a staggering 6st 8lb, now weighing in at 13st 4lbs, and attributes his successful weight loss to his hero, Del Boy.

In March 2025, a proud Barry met Sir David again at the same convention and shared how his words had sparked his transformation. Barry, hailing from Aberdeen, Scotland, recalled: "He told me about his character and how bad his life was, but he got up every morning with a positive mindset at all times." He added, "I've idolised this guy for thirty years. The next day after the convention, I joined the gym, totally changed my diet, and walked in public."

Barry explained that his encounter with Sir David Jason had a profound impact on him, saying: "It was because I had so much respect for this guy and I've got so much time for him and I looked into his eyes and I knew that he was actually interested and cared." He added: "If I was ever going to make myself proud, I wanted to meet him again, and talk to him about his words and how they spurred me on."

Sir David was reportedly touched by Barry's story, responding: "He said he couldn't believe that he had inspired me, and he said it was great to meet me again. It made me feel so good about myself." Barry, who described himself as a "big lad" in his younger years, had previously struggled with unhealthy habits. "I was having up to 12 bottles of fizzy full coke daily, some days up to 24 bags of crisps," he admitted. However, his love for Only Fools and Horses, particularly Sir David's character, had a lasting impact on him. "You are so into that family, and you want the best for them," he said.

"The acting is great, and I love all the characters. Sir David's story is great, and that is what you see throughout the show, you get a real connection with all of the characters." When Barry met Sir David at a convention, he shared how much the show meant to him. Contrary to the adage "People have said to never meet your heroes but Sir David Jason was absolutely brilliant," Barry found Sir David to be "People have said to never meet your heroes but Sir David Jason was absolutely brilliant,".

Sir David's words had a profound effect on Barry, who recalled: "The words that came from Sir David changed my life." Specifically, Sir David advised Barry to stop his binge eating and gambling habits. Taking Sir David's words to heart, Barry transformed his lifestyle. He replaced his bacon butty breakfasts with avocado on toast and started having steak with asparagus for dinner instead of pasties. He also began working out at the gym three times a week.

The superfan confessed, "I would watch Only Fools and Horses every day," adding, "It kept me going." Now, he sports 34'' trousers and large t-shirts, proudly showcasing his new physique to Sir David last month. Sir David recalled their previous meeting, discussing the weight loss and joking about the impact of Derek Trotter on people's lives. Weight before: 19st 12lbsWaist size before: 44"Shirt size before: XXXLWeight after: 13st 4 lbsWaist size after: 34''Shirt size after: L".

PREVIOUS DIET

Breakfast - Two bacon rolls, two bags crisps, bottle of coke.

Lunch - Triple sandwich, two bags crisps, two chocolate bars, sweets and two bottles coke.

Dinner - Two Cornish pasties, two chocolate bars, crisps, sweets and two bottles coke.

CURRENT DIET

Breakfast - Avocado on toast - black coffee.

Lunch - High protein beef strips, kale, spinach, bell peppers and rice. Glass of orange squash.

Dinner - Steak, asparagus, mushrooms, eggs.