Sir David Jason has opened up about one of the most emotional revelations of his life – discovering at the age of 84 that he had a daughter he never knew existed.
The Only Fools and Horses legend shared the intimate story on the Rosebud podcast with Gyles Brandreth, explaining how a long-forgotten romance in 1970 unexpectedly came full circle more than five decades later. During a production of Under Milk Wood, Jason had a brief relationship with actress Jennifer Hill. Though they went their separate ways, that fleeting moment resulted in the birth of a daughter, Abi Harris.
Abi grew up believing Geoffrey Davion – who passed away in 1996 – was her father. But years later, Jennifer finally told her the truth: “That chap you call dad is not your father. I think you’ll find it’s David Jason.” Abi was stunned.
What followed was a heartfelt letter from Abi to Jason, asking for an anonymous DNA test. Recalling the moment he read it, Sir David said: “My hands were shaking. I had to read it again. And again. And again.” The idea that he had fathered a child had never crossed his mind.
In his memoir This Time Next Year, Jason reflects on the emotional rollercoaster – from “wonder and amazement, through anxiety and heartache, to fear and outright panic.” But he also describes the joy of eventually welcoming Abi into his life, calling it a “happy ever after.”
His wife, Gill Hinchcliffe, and their daughter Sophie were supportive throughout the process. The family expanded even further when Jason learned he also had a grandson — 10-year-old Charlie.
Despite an initial “sense of distance” between Jason and Abi, they’ve built a close relationship. They even spent Christmas together in Buckinghamshire. In a poetic twist, Abi – now an actress herself – had unknowingly shared the stage with both of her parents during a 2008 revival of Under Milk Wood, the very play that started it all.
