‘I saw a woman spit yesterday!’
Sarah Duncan is an actress and novelist, known for a variety of roles on television including appearances on gameshows such as Countdown (1982) and Pointless (2009). But to you and me she is best known for her role as Lady Victoria in the classic episode A Royal Flush.
Recently I was lucky enough to catch up with Sarah, to find out a little bit more about the Lady, who nearly ended up marrying a Trotter, including what it was like to star in the show and what we can look forward to seeing in the future.
Sarah Duncan Actress Interview
Me: Sarah, on behalf of the fans, thank you for allowing me to conduct this short interview with you. We’ll start off with your role in Only Fools and Horses.
Me: How exactly did that come about?
Sarah: I’d been acting for a couple of years at that point, mainly theatre – including six months in the West End in Passion Play with Leslie Philips who was surprisingly shy and not like his onscreen persona at all. My agent – who had represented Lennard Pearce (Grandad) – asked if I’d like to audition for OFAH so one Monday I went to the BBC and met John Sullivan, Ray Butt (who was then the producer and director) and Tony Dow and got on really well, on Thursday I heard I’d got the part, and the following Monday I was in wardrobe getting kitted up.
Tony Dow told me later that he’d been cross with John and Ray because they’d more or less told me I’d got the part at the audition, and they’d still got two more days of auditioning other actresses to go. Apparently on the Wednesday there had been another actress who they’d also really liked, but decided to choose me because the other one was very beautiful and out of Rodney’s league!
Me: Are there any tales you can remember from behind the scenes?
Sarah: Lots! It was a very happy time. The first day of filming was at the market. It was a very cold day and I had to sit on a stool for what seemed like ages – you can see me shivering. Then we filmed the scene at the caff. On the first take I was so cold and hungry I tucked into the bacon and eggs and then for the rest of filming I had to remember all the times I’d taken a mouthful for continuity and do it again. I was sick of bacon and eggs by the end. Nick Lyndhurst told me afterwards how to look as if you were eating without actually doing it, which came in handy for the dinner party scene. He was very kind, especially when he realised I hadn’t done much acting for television before, and gave me lots of help with the technical side of things.
Me: What is your favourite episode and why?
Sarah: To Hull and Back. It’s funny, it’s poignant – all the things that make OFAH great.
Me: Why do you think the show is so very popular with all ages?
Sarah: It’s about families, isn’t it? And dreaming and wanting to get on in life, but never quite getting there. I think we all do that. And of course, it is very very funny too.
Me: Do you still get recognised as the character?
Sarah: Yes, amazingly. My hair is much, much shorter nowadays but lots of people pick up on my voice.
Me: Do you still keep in touch with any of the actors?
Sarah: No. I left acting the year afterwards and moved to live in the countryside.
Me: Do you think the relationship between your character and Rodney, would have worked?
Sarah: I think their backgrounds were too far apart really.
Me: Do you have any memorabilia from the show as keepsakes?
Sarah: I used to have two scripts but when I was moving house I decided they ought to go to someone who would appreciate them rather than being kept in a drawer. I contacted the OFAH appreciation society and now Perry, who runs it, has them.
Me: What can we look forward to seeing in the future from you?
Sarah: Well I haven’t acted for years! Nowadays I write novels, which are available in bookshops and online at Amazon etc.
By Jordan Gale,
With thanks to Sarah Duncan.
Twitter: @JordanGale94
Fantastic interview , loved the part about Nicholas helping her to pretend to be eating during filming.
cant believe how young you look
Great website found by luck looking for Sarah Duncan (absolutely beautiful woman in the episode a Royal Flush on Only Fools & Horses)
Wow!
I’m new to this site having accidentally discovered it while reminding myself of Buster Merryfield. What a lovely and talented man. We were both gigging at Pinewood studios,he as Father Christmas myself as Bing Crosby following two appearances on Stars in their Eyes.I sang White Christmas and as I walked to the next room from the diners I heard a familiar voice call out “Bing”. That’s how I met Buster.He was seated at a table with a large ex policeman (his driver and protection) and Joanna Lumley (Lookalike) and offered champers in high style. Buster had a twinkle in his eye as we talked about Bing and then he asked me to follow him across the room. The waiters were busy sorting out materials at a long table at the back of the room so the room was virtually empty.He asked me to sing. I was delighted to sing and as I started with an old Hawiian song from the thirties he joined me with a wonderful harmony.We sang song after song: he knew them all! I coudn’t believe my luck. Applause came from the waiters as they tidied up; it was like a scene from a film and I’ll never forget it! Later I helped him with his Santa costume.
I hope this note is of interest. Joe Baron. Best wishes to all.
I’m really enjoying this new ‘Where are they now?’ feature.
I could listen to the stars stories from behind the scenes all day.
Thanks for another great interview. Keep them coming!