ONLY Fools and Horses star Nicholas Lyndhurst has been forced to deny he’s retired after his son’s tragic death.
A pal claimed the comedy legend, 60, has taken a step back from acting after son Archie was killed by a brain haemorrhage aged just 19 in 2020 – but his rep insisted he was still getting offers and will continue to work.
His son Archie suffered a brain haemorrhage aged just 19 in 2020.
Longtime friend and writer Laurence Marks said the actor – who shot to fame as Rodney Trotter in Only Fools – was unlikely to ever return to the spotlight.
He said: “Nicholas underwent tragedy.
“It must have broken his heart. It would break anyone’s heart.
“He has always kept himself to himself and now he’ll do that more than ever. Now he’s lost his son, he’ll never come out again.
“I doubt we will see him do any more acting.”
He added to the Daily Star Sunday “I would like to say we will see him act again, but I don’t think we will.
“We will have to live on the visual memories of him and we have loads of them. We have got to be grateful for that.”
However, a rep for Nicholas later denied the report saying “he continues to constantly receive offers.”
They added to Metro: “Of course he and his wife are devastated by the sudden loss of there young son but Mr. Lyndhurst will continue his career with any parts and scripts that attract him.”
Nicholas’ other notable role was playing Gary Sparrow in Goodnight Sweetheart in the 90s.
He also played Dan Griffin in the BBC drama New Tricks and Adam Parkinson in Carla Lane’s series Butterflies in the 70s and 80s.
Last year, his wife Lucy paid tribute to Archie on her first Mother’s Day following his untimely death.
She shared a collage of photos of her son as a young lad.
The snaps showed him in a baby grow on a step by the sink, Archie by a rainbow, as well as the young lad posing with his mum.
The heartbroken mum wrote: “My dearest darling boy. To get through today without you is the hardest thing ever. I miss you every minute of every day. I will never stop loving you. Not ever.
“Thank you for making me a mummy. It was the best adventure I’ve ever had. You never stopped me from smiling ever.
“Thank you for all those beautiful happy times. I shall be forever in your debt. You teach me everyday to be a better person. Love you today, tomorrow and always. All my love your devoted Mama. 
XxX”
Lucy revealed in January last year that Archie had passed away from acute lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukaemia.
It is a rare condition that kills 800 people a year.
