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Fans of the classic British sitcom “Only Fools and Horses” will be familiar with the numerous long-running jokes from Del Boy and Rodney Trotter, which have left audiences in stitches over the years. The show, which ran for seven series on BBC, featured countless one-liners from its beloved characters, including David Jason as Del Boy, Nicholas Lyndhurst as Rodney, John Challis as Boycie, Roger Lloyd Pack as Trigger, and Lennard Pearce as Grandad.
However, a recent revelation on a popular discussion forum has left fans of one particular “running gag” questioning what they thought they knew about the show.
Fans Shocked by Academic Qualifications ‘Gag’
A user on Reddit admitted to a hilarious and embarrassing mistake regarding a joke they had misunderstood for years. The user posted: “I just discovered something I thought was a running gag was simply me being too young.”
They continued: “I’m 31, watched this show through my life and always thought the ‘I’ve got two GCEs’ was a joke, bragging about having the education qualifications but not being educated enough to correctly say GCSEs. I thought it was typical OFAH humour.
Then I found out GCSEs used to be called GCEs and I felt a right bl***y idiot.
This revelation sparked further discussion among fans, with one user expressing confusion over the audience’s reaction to Rodney’s academic “GCE” claims. They wrote: “Anytime Rodney mentions he has two GCEs it gets a laugh from the audience. I used to think it was because he was getting GCSEs wrong but turns out they were called GCEs back then. So are they just laughing at his somewhat modest achievements?”
Another user clarified: “Yeah, it’s standard for kids to take (and pass) at least seven or eight GCSEs so passing two is really nothing to brag about.”
What is the Difference Between a GCE and GCSE?
GCEs (General Certificates of Education), also known as O Levels, were the old version of GCSEs (General Certificates of Secondary Education). GCSEs were introduced in September 1986 to establish a national qualification for students leaving school at 16, who chose not to pursue further academic study towards A-Levels or university degrees.
Continued Popularity of Only Fools and Horses
Despite last airing in 2003 for a Christmas special, “Only Fools and Horses” remains incredibly popular with viewers today. The show has retained a significant fan base, many of whom continue to enjoy the timeless humour and relatable characters.
This recent discussion on Reddit has only served to highlight the enduring charm of the show and its ability to surprise even its most dedicated fans.
As fans continue to reminisce and uncover new insights about “Only Fools and Horses,” it’s clear that the show’s legacy will live on for many more years to come.
