Only Fools and Horses legend David Jason reportedly refused to rehearse an iconic Del Boy scene in the smash-hit BBC show.
The talented actor, 82, became a household name with his portrayal of wheeler dealer Del Trotter, who was convinced he'd be a millionaire "this time next year".
There are so many iconic scenes in the award-winning programme, but there was one David wanted to ad lib to 'preserve the surprise', according to an actor on the show.
In the hilarious scene, broadcast in 1989, fans will remember Del talking to Trigger (played by Roger Lloyd Pack) trying to woo "modern Euro-birds" - before falling sideways through the bar.
Spotting two "sorts", the star tells his hapless friend to: "Play it nice and cool, son, nice and cool - you know what I mean?" before disappearing - much to Trig's surprise.
Those close to show have spilled the beans about the scene in Channel 5's Only Fools and Horses: Secrets and Scandals.
Speaking about the filming process, Jeff Stevenson, a warm-up and guest actor on the programme, revealed: "The rehearsal was in the afternoon, and I remember David doing it, and I remember Tony coming down and saying, 'Right can we do that again?'
"I seem to remember David saying 'No, we're not going to do it again, we will do it tonight' because he wanted to keep it fresh!"
The perfect scene, originally watched by 14m viewers, has been voted the greatest Only Fools and Horses moment of all time.
The Peckham-based comedy celebrated its 40th anniversary last year and a poll put the episode above the famous smashing chandelier incident.
It also topped the side-splitting sequence when Rodney (Nicholas Lyndhurst) and Del become Batman and Robin, running through the streets of Peckham.
After finding out the scene had topped the Radio Times poll, David spoke of his pride at being part of the programme.
He said: “I am thrilled the falling through the bar scene has given so much pleasure over the years.
“I feel very fortunate to have been involved with such an iconic show.
“It started with the great John Sullivan for the fantastic scripts and the chemistry of the cast which brought it all to life. So many laughs over so many years."
