Only Fools And Horses legend Nicholas Lyndhurst dealt brutal blow as hit TV show is axed after just two series on screens

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Only Fools And Horses icon Nicholas Lyndhurst has suffered a brutal career blow as the Frasier reboot he starred has been axed.

The actor, 63, who played Prof Alan Cornwall in the Paramount+ show, previously called his role in the US series 'heart-stoppingly wonderful'.

But sadly, the streaming platform has now confirmed they will not proceed with a third season of the reboot format, bringing to a close the show.

Nicholas is well-known on this side of the pond for playing hapless Rodney Trotter in the famed British sitcom Only Fools And Horses.

The series, which ran from 1981 to 2003, became a corner stone in British culture, with the public voting it the greatest comedy series of all time in 2023.

Nicholas' role in the Frasier reboot saw him play Alan - a former Oxford University friend of the lead Dr Frasier Cane, played by Kelsey Grammar.  

Only Fools And Horses icon Nicholas Lyndhurst, 63, suffered a brutal career blow after the beloved sitcom Frasier has been axed

 The actor, who played tweedy Prof Alan Cornwall in the Paramount+ show, previously called his role in the new show 'heart-stoppingly wonderful' (left to right: Toks Olagundoye as Olivia, Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Alan)

In the absence of Frasier's on-screen brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce) in the show's reprise, Alan's deadpan humour was quick to put the psychologist turned lecturer in his place.

Before the axing there was talk of an Alan spin-off exploring the character's backstory. Fellow British actor Jack Cutmore-Scott, who portrays Frasier's son Freddy, supported the idea.

He told The Sun: 'I would love it if we met Alan's mum or his parents. I think that Maggie Smith would be perfect. If you're available, Maggie, just let us know.'

During a US TV event in February of last year, the star of the 1990s hit sit-com, Kelsey, branded the Only Fools And Horses star a 'comedic genius' and a 'national treasure.'

He added that the reboot of the sitcom, which originally ran from 1993 to 2004, has given the actor the opportunity to showcase his acting 'pipes' and skill in the US.

Kelsey said he was 'ecstatic' to work with the British actor, describing the experience as a 'pleasure'. 

The pair previously worked together back in 2019 in the London West End musical Man of La Mancha and from there their friendship blossomed. 

Meanwhile, Nicolas himself told how he was 'very pleased' to be a part of the show as he shared his joy at his new chapter at this stage of his life and career.

Nicholas is best-known for his portrayal of Rodney Trotter in the iconic British show - Only Fools And Horses (pictured 1981 L-R: Lennard Pearce; David Jason And Nicholas Lyndhurst)

Nicholas' role in the Frasier reboot saw him play Alan - a former Oxford University friend of the lead Dr Frasier Cane, played by Kelsey Grammar [Top left to right: Nicholas, director James Burrows and Anders Keith. Bottom from left: Jess Salgueiro, Kelsey, Jack Cutmore-Scott and Toks]

Frasier star Kelsey (left) previously branded Nicholas a 'national treasure' and a 'comedic genius'

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He explained to Radio Times: 'It’s absolutely wonderful to be here for now. I’m in my mid-60s – at this stage of my career, I wasn’t expecting to be walking through the gates of Paramount Pictures every morning. 

'I probably pinch myself every 20 minutes in this job, because working with Kelsey and working in this building is heart-stoppingly wonderful.'

Despite the disappointing cancellation news, it has been reported by Deadline that the producer of Frasier, CBD Studios, are planning to shop the show to other outlets, giving hope to fans for a third season.

It is reported that Prime Video and Hulu are strong contenders to buy the rights for the sitcom's third season, due to the fact they are already streaming the original series.

While it is said that NBC may also have an interest seeing as they were the network that originally aired the initial show. 

The first season of the reboot, which premiered in October 2023, centred around the titular character, who journeyed back to Boston in a bid to revive his relationship with his son Frederick.

As well as Nicholas, the reboot featured new faces such as, Toks Olagundoye as Olivia and Jess Salgueiro playing Eve.

Before the axing there was talk of an Alan spin-off exploring the character's backstory. Fellow British actor Jack Cutmore-Scott [left], who portrays Frasier's son Freddy, supported the idea

Meanwhile, Nicolas himself told how he was 'very pleased' to be a part of the show as he shared his joy at his new chapter at this stage of his life and career

Bebe Neuwirth and Peri Gilpin returned to the program in order to reprise their roles as Lilith Sternin and Roz Doyle, respectively. 

Only in 2023, lead actor Kelsey told how he had big plans for the revived sitcom, revealing that he hoped to create 'another 100 episodes at least'.

He told Variety magazine: 'There's enough groundwork laid between these human beings; they are wonderful characters. I want to see where they go. And I want to see what happens to Frasier.' 

It comes after Sir David Jason shockingly admitted in January last year that he hasn't watched his Only Fools co-star in the Frasier reboot.

The actor, 84, played the iconic Del Boy alongside Nicholas' Rodney from 1981 to 2003, but admitted he hasn't yet tuned in to see his old co-star.

It comes after Sir David Jason shockingly admitted in January last year that he hasn't watched his Only Fools co-star in the Frasier reboot 

The actor, 84, played the iconic Del Boy alongside Nicholas' Rodney from 1981 to 2003, but admitted he hasn't yet tuned in to see his old co-star  (pictured 2001)

Nicholas' appearance on the show comes after a difficult few years for the actor who lost his 19-year-old son Archie (pictured with his mother and father) in 2020 following a brain haemorrhage

When asked by The Times about his thoughts on Nicholas' performance as boozy university professor Alan Cornwall on the series, Sir David said: 'Winter evenings have us hunkering down in front of the fire and watching television.'

'I haven't seen the reboot of Frasier yet with Nick Lyndhurst, my old co-star from Only Fools and Horses, but I'm sure he will have done a great job.'

Nicholas made his return to the small screen for the reboot of popular comedy series Frasier just years after the death of his son. 

The actor lost his 19-year-old son Archie in 2020 following a brain haemorrhage.

It was claimed at the time that he was considering retiring from acting following the tragic loss but this was denied by the actor's camp who insisted the idea was 'ridiculous'.