Fans of the iconic sitcom Only Fools and Horses were taken aback upon learning that a notable character was portrayed by the real-life mother of Hollywood luminary, Benedict Cumberbatch.
The legendary BBC comedy, which aired from 1981 to 2003, chronicled the escapades of dodgy dealers Del Boy Trotter, brought to life by Sir David Jason, and his younger brother Rodney as they endeavoured to make their fortune from their Peckham tower block.
Over the course of the series, Rodney, played by Nicholas Lyndhurst, evolved from an unlucky-in-love young man into a contentedly wedded husband after meeting his future wife, Cassandra (Gwyneth Strong), at evening classes.
Rodney and Cassandra tied the knot in 1989, marking the occasion with a reception at The Nags Head. The episode, aptly named Little Problems, introduced viewers to Rodney’s posh in-laws, Alan and Pamela Parry.
Pamela, not particularly fond of Del, often accused her husband Alan, played by Denis Lill, of acting immaturely around him. However, in the first part of Miami Twice (1991), Pam ends up embarrassingly intoxicated at Damien Trotter’s Christening, and the couple also feature in The Jolly Boys’ Outing, reports the Express.
Despite only appearing in three episodes of the beloved sitcom, Pamela Parry, portrayed by Wanda Ventham, remains a memorable character from the show.
Wanda, 90, has enjoyed a remarkable acting career since her first credited role in the 1956 film My Teenage Daughter. She’s graced our screens in numerous popular shows, including Casualty, Midsomer Murders, Father Brown, Holby City, Departure, The Sweeney, Doctor Who, and The Lotus Eaters.
Most recently, she appeared as Wendy in the 2019 series Departure and as Fay Douglas in the 2020 series Penance.
It appears that talent runs in the family, as Wanda’s son is none other than Hollywood star, Benedict Cumberbatch. Born at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital in Hammersmith, West London, to parents Wanda and Timothy, the 49 year old has followed in his mother’s footsteps.
The mother-son duo have even shared screen time together. Wanda portrayed the mother of Sherlock Holmes when Benedict took on the titular role. His father and Wanda’s husband, Timothy Carlton, also joined them for the episode.
As Wanda marked her 90th birthday on August 5, fans showered her with well wishes on social media, which led to a flurry of reactions from Only Fools and Horses fans who were unaware she is Benedict’s mum.
One Only Fools and Horses fan page posted on X: “Happy Birthday to Wanda Ventham aka Pamela Parry born on this day 1935. In real life Mum to the one and only Benedict Cumberbatch. #onlyfoolsandhorses”.
Fans of the show expressed their surprise at the connection, with one person commenting: “Never knew that. Every day’s a school day”.
A second exclaimed: “Wow! I didn’t know that!”, while another echoed the sentiment and wrote: “Never knew that”.
“I never knew she was Benedict Cumberbatch’s mum”, shared another.
