Who Plays Raquel In Only Fools And Horses

So, there I was, sitting in my nan's living room, the one with the floral wallpaper and the smell of freshly baked rock buns, when I stumbled upon an episode of Only Fools and Horses. Now, I've seen this show a million times, but this time, something struck me. I was watching the scene where Del Boy is trying to sell some dodgy goods to a woman, and I thought to myself, "Hang on a minute, who is this woman?"

You see, I've been so used to seeing the Trotters' antics that I've never really paid much attention to the supporting cast. But this time, it was like I was seeing her for the first time. She was playing Raquel, Del's long-suffering girlfriend, and she was absolutely brilliant. But who was she?

Enter Tessa Peake-Jones

After a bit of digging - okay, a bit of Googling - I found out that the actress playing Raquel is none other than Tessa Peake-Jones. Now, I know what you're thinking. "Of course, it's Tessa Peake-Jones! How could you not know that?" Well, to be fair, I was more focused on Del's attempts to sell his 'faulty' goods than the actress playing his girlfriend.

But now that I knew her name, I was curious. Who is this woman who brought Raquel to life? And why did she seem so familiar?

From Shakespeare to Trotters' Independent Trading

It turns out, Tessa Peake-Jones is quite the actress. She's been in the game for decades, with a career that spans from Shakespearean theatre to television shows and films. She's played roles in everything from "Macbeth" to "Doctor Who", and even had a stint in "EastEnders". But it's her role as Raquel in Only Fools and Horses that she's perhaps most known for.

And that's where the familiarity comes in. I've seen her face a million times, but it was only when she was playing Raquel that I really took notice. And isn't that the sign of a great actress? When you're so invested in their character that you forget they're playing a role.

Raquel: The Heart of Only Fools and Horses

Raquel, with her no-nonsense attitude and her love for Del Boy, was the heart of Only Fools and Horses. She was the voice of reason in a world of dodgy deals and Trotter's Independent Trading. She was the one who kept Del grounded, even when he was trying to sell a 'faulty' chandelier for £500.

And Tessa Peake-Jones played her perfectly. She brought a warmth and a humanity to Raquel that made her feel like a real person. She was the kind of woman you'd want to have a cup of tea with, the kind of woman who'd tell you like it is, no matter what.

Tessa Peake-Jones: The Unsung Hero of Only Fools and Horses

So, there you have it. The woman who played Raquel in Only Fools and Horses is Tessa Peake-Jones. She's an actress with a career that spans decades, and a talent that's brought joy to millions of viewers. And while Del Boy might have been the one trying to make a million, it was Tessa Peake-Jones who made Raquel a million times more lovable.

Next time you're watching an episode of Only Fools and Horses, take a moment to appreciate Tessa Peake-Jones. She might not be the one trying to sell a 'faulty' chandelier, but she's the one who made the show feel like home.