Quotes from David Jason

Ronnie Barker was a man whom I thought more deserving of a knighthood than me.

When I was a lad, my parents and all their equivalents never lusted after other people's riches or success.

I have no interest in Twitter or Twotter or Twatter. It would never occur to me to use it. People who Tweet during programmes are always asking, 'What happened then?' If you're bloody Twittering away all the time, you miss what is actually going on.

Being an actor is like being a monk: you have got to be dedicated.

I needed to be an actor more than anything.

Journalists are out to trap me with my underwear showing.

Working on 'Open All Hours' had some unexpected perks, not least the attractions of the canteen at the BBC's rehearsal studios in West London.

When you had just three and then four channels, I could always find something that was watchable because the standard of TV was much higher. In those days, they had so much more money to put into so many less programmes.

I was 25 when I'd told my parents that I was giving up steady work as an electrician to become an actor. They couldn't have been less enthusiastic if I'd proposed starting a commercial newt-breeding operation in the bathroom.

A couple of years ago, I bought my own helicopter, a Robinson R44. I use it occasionally to fly myself to sets where I am filming or to business meetings.

The ups and downs are part of what has made you.

People ask me if I am thinking of retiring. Well, it doesn't occur to me. Different day, different challenge, different way. Lovely jubbly.

Despite offers, I have never felt the urge to try to make it in Hollywood.

I deliberately decided not to go on Twitter. I've read about how much stress it can cause. I don't think it's healthy.

For me, the making of a documentary to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain was an intensely personal journey. I was born in February 1940, so I was just six months old as the battle raged overhead.

I always say it is not the arrival; it is the journey.

I shall act until I drop. I just want to keep doing it and making it fun.

You can't make people enjoy what you're doing unless you're enjoying it yourself.

I will continue to entertain the great British public. Because that is what I love doing.

After leaving school, I worked as an electrician before becoming an actor.

I'm happier being out of the limelight, at home with the family.