Writer John Sullivan, who created the classic TV sitcom Only Fools And Horses has died aged 64, it has been confirmed. The BBC News website reports that he had suffered a short illness. Sullivan, who was born in Balham, South London, created a number of classic British sitcoms including Citizen Smith, Just Good Friends, Dear John and Roger Roger. However it was Only Fools and Horses - which starred David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst as wheeler dealer brothers the Trotters - for which he will be best remembered. The show, which was based on the market traders Sullivan saw while he was growing up in South London, ran from 1981 - 1991 and later returned for several Christmas specials. The 1996 special Time On Our Hands, which was billed as the final ever episode and which saw Del Boy and Rodney finally make good on their promise to become millionaires, was watched by over 24m viewers - a record number for a sitcom in the UK. Although it was supposed to be the end of the Trotters' adventures, Sullivan eventually gave in to popular demand and produced several more Christmas specials. He also penned a spin-off, The Green Green Grass, which followed the fortunes of Only Fools' supporting characters Boycie and Marlene. And a prequel to the show, Rock and Chips - about a young Del Boy - made its debut in 2010, with the latest episode due to be screened on Thursday. Paying tribute, BBC Director General Mark Thompson said, "John had a unique gift for turning everyday life and characters we all know into unforgettable comedy." Sullivan, who was the son of a plumber, leaves a wife, two sons and one daughter, and two grandchildren.
