“I COULDN’T GET UP” — SIR DAVID JASON RECALLS TERRIFYING NIGHT WHEN SEVERE COVID LEFT HIM CRAWLING ACROSS THE FLOOR

The Only Fools and Horses star once revealed how a serious bout of COVID-19 left him so weak that he collapsed in the middle of the night and struggled to reach his bedroom door.

Sir David Jason gave fans a frightening glimpse into a deeply personal health experience when he revealed how a severe bout of COVID-19 left him unable to stand or walk.

The beloved Only Fools and Horses actor recalled collapsing in the middle of the night after getting out of bed to use the bathroom.

At the time, David was 82 and had contracted the virus in July 2022, despite managing to avoid it during much of the pandemic.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast in October that year, he described the illness as “seriously bad.”

“I got it seriously bad. Because all the muscles weren’t working, I collapsed and I fell against the radiator… I was so weak, I couldn’t get up,” he explained.

A FRIGHTENING NIGHT AT HOME

David recalled trying repeatedly to pull himself upright using the bed for support.

But his body would not cooperate.

He said he spent approximately 15 minutes attempting different ways to stand, only to discover that his arms and legs were too weak to support him.

Realising he could not walk, he decided to try to reach the door so he could call for help from his wife, Gill Hinchcliffe.

What happened next was something he would never forget.

HE HAD TO CRAWL TOWARDS THE DOOR

With his arms and legs barely responding, David began dragging himself across the floor.

He even compared the unusual way he moved to a walrus crawling on land.

He explained that he had to use his head to help pull himself forward because his limbs were not working properly.

Just as he finally reached the door, it opened.

His wife had arrived and was able to help him back into bed.

The ordeal had left visible marks. The following day, David discovered carpet burns across his forehead and the top of his nose.

A MUCH-LOVED TELEVISION LEGEND

For generations of British television viewers, David Jason has been best known as the unforgettable Del Boy Trotter in Only Fools and Horses.

His career has also included memorable roles in Open All Hours and A Touch of Frost.

The actor’s account revealed a vulnerable side of the man audiences had grown accustomed to seeing bring laughter into their homes.

Thankfully, David later recovered from that bout of COVID-19.

AN IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR FANS

Although the story has resurfaced online, the frightening collapse happened in 2022. It is not evidence of a new medical emergency or a recent deterioration in his health.

David’s account remains a reminder of how seriously COVID-19 affected some people, even when they were recovering at home.

For fans who have spent decades enjoying his performances, hearing about that difficult night was a sobering reminder of the person behind the legendary television character.