Sir David Jason says 'it's over now' as he makes huge sacrifice

Sir David Jason opened up about his heartbreak at having to give up flying due to mobility issues. The Only Fools and Horses actor earned his helicopter pilot licence in 2005 and once frequented the skies aboard his Robinson R44.

The 84-year-old said he sold his helicopter last year with “extreme reluctance,” but pain in his limbs had made flying nearly impossible.

He explained in his memoir, This Time Next Year: “The fact is, you need your hips, legs and knees to be in pretty tip-top condition for helicopter flying. Also your arms and shoulders.

“It’s rather like playing a drum kit in that regard, although the consequences of getting out of time during the second verse are quite a bit graver.

“I realised I was getting increasingly uncomfortable up there in the air. Having to push the physical part of the task was taking some of the joy out of it. Clearly it was time to step away while I was still capable of stepping.”

Sharing his sadness after coming to the realisation that he had to give up his beloved pastime, David continued: “Flying that helicopter was a big part of my life. It was a lot of fun, obviously, but also just the most satisfying accomplishment.

“Some people have the piano, and some people have oil painting. I had the helicopter and it’s over now, but I’ll always be proud that I can call myself a qualified helicopter pilot.”

David further explained in an interview with the Sunday Times that his hip replacement last year played a huge part in his declining mobility.

He added: "My memory isn't what it used to be ... Most of us reach this point when things aren't quite as bright as they used to be.

"Mind you, I don't wear a hearing aid, I don't wear glasses, and I've only had to replace one bit of my body (a hip replacement), so I'm not doing too bad."

The actor had another huge change at home when he discovered that he is the biological father of 53-year-old actress Abi Harris.

The revelation only came to light two years ago when Abi sent him a letter sharing her suspicions that he could be her father following his brief romance with her mother, Jennifer Hill, in the 1970s.

David has since spoken candidly about their evolving relationship, admitting: "It was very nerve-racking, but we got over that and have been working and building a relationship ever since. Abi was only here about a week ago. We had a birthday party for her and her lad (son Charlie).

“I'm not a great game player, but that's all Charlie loves to do. Him and my wife and daughter, as soon as they get here, they sit around the table, get the games out, and they're off."