THERE were no fools, only hearses when Only Fools and Horses star Sir David Jason was among the cast and crew filming in three Huddersfield villages.
The actor, 72 today, is best known for playing Del Boy in the 1980s sitcom, but is now directing a pilot episode for a proposed new BBC series called Pearly Gates.
The sitcom is based around a family’s failing funeral business and will feature Fast Show and Harry Potter star Mark Williams in the lead role.
Seventy cast, crew and extras were involved in filming a funeral scene at St Paul’s Church in Armitage Bridge yesterday morning.
Pearly Gates writer Ben Sweet from Netherton said: “There were quite a few people there and they were pleased to see us.
“Thankfully the weather cleared and we had blue sky and a bit of sunshine so the Yorkshire scenery was looking as we would like it.
“Everyone in Armitage Bridge was very positive about bringing a film crew to the area.
“We know what Last of the Summer Wine has done for Holmfirth and surrounding areas.”
The cast and crew moved on to St Bartholomew’s Church in Meltham yesterday afternoon.
Pearly Gates also filmed outside the Ford Inn at Holmfirth on Tuesday.
Landlord Steve Tiffany said: “It started snowing a bit which wouldn’t be good for the filming, so I invited them back and Sir David Jason patted me on the back and said they’d come back.
“It’s weird seeing a 1960s hearse and a coffin at the pub. They’re filming something about funeral homes and Mark Williams was here as well.
“Everyone has been really nice. I spoke to Sir David and he’s a very articulate man. I remember watching him in everything including Darling Buds of May all those years ago, so it’s been great to meet him.”
Steve said the film crews started work at 6.45am, which meant an early start for him.
“I don’t mind so much because it’s been interesting seeing how it’s all done,” he said.
“It’s very clever how they do the driving scenes because there’s a ramp with a hearse on it and the camera on the back of the ramp.
“It will be interesting to see how it looks on the TV.”
Sir David’s other top roles have included detective Jack Frost in the ITV crime drama A Touch of Frost and Granville in the sitcom Open All Hours.
Mark Williams is now best known for playing Arthur Weasley in the Harry Potter films but he was also in the Fast Show and started his career with the Marsden-based Mikron Theatre Company.
