Sir David Jason to spend Christmas with daughter he didn't know for 52 years

TV icon Sir David Jason is looking forward to a special family Christmas, which will include his daughter Abi whom he hadn't known existed for over half a century. The pair are continuing their "voyage of discovery" after a revealing paternity test last year confirmed that David has a second daughter from a fleeting relationship with late actress Jennifer Hill back in 1970.

The Mirror had previously uncovered the heartwarming meet-up between David, now 84, and Abi Harris along with his grandson Charlie. Just this month, Sir David celebrated Abi's birthday, signalling more shared moments to come.

In an exclusive chat about his forthcoming book, just in time for Yuletide cheer, Sir David shared insights: "Abi came round to us for Sunday lunch on her birthday and we gave her a cake - Charlie lit the candles - and gave gifts one of which was the book in which she appeared, the vehicle which gave me chance to explain how our situation had come about."

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Unfortunately, Sophie, another family member, couldn't join due to a prior engagement but Sir David assures they'll all be reuniting soon. He reflects on the unique experience: "For whatever reason out of our control, our lives have only just come together and so it does feel poignant celebrating birthdays after so many years of not being able to share."

He added thoughtfully: "The shock of the news that I had an undiscovered daughter is wearing off but, like I say in the book, we are slowly getting to know each other and things are working out on this voyage of discovery," reports the Mirror.

Plans are in the works for another festive gathering around Christmas, followed by a small celebration in February for his 85th birthday. In his memoir, Sir David recounts a rollercoaster of emotions, from "wonder and amazement, through anxiety and heartache, to fear and outright panic" upon discovering his daughter Abi through an "astonishing" letter she sent him.

Now, Sir David is eager to share his passion for model-making with his grandson, affectionately dubbed "Charlie the hair" due to his enviable locks. He shared: "I hope that Charlie finds his passion and gives it everything he has as to eventually find a job which he loves doing – just something which brings in an honest day's pay and gives stability. I am also trying to get him interested in model making as I think it's great for youngsters (or any age) to be able to absorb themselves in something quiet and creative in this hectic world and doesn't involve a battery or a plug."

The duo also plan to spend some time watching TV together, considering grandad's extensive career in hit shows like A Touch Of Frost, Darling Buds of May, and Open All Hours.

He confessed: "We haven't watched television together yet but maybe we can get the chance to watch Dangermouse or something similar [he voiced the character]. With such an age gap, it could be tricksy finding something to watch together. At the moment, Cluedo and Bingo seem to be the go-to activities!"

In his latest book, Sir David shares intimate details about the complexities of his new blended family and expresses a heartfelt regret for not being part of his daughter Abi's life earlier, mentioning "the pang of sadness for those missing years, all that lost time". The father and daughter duo first crossed paths at a London hotel in 2023.

He also reflects on his relationship with his other daughter, Sophie, whom he shares with his wife Lady Gill, writing: "I held Sophie straight after she was born, and I fed her and changed her and walked her to school and watched her grow, and all of those things. And that's what I think of when I think of Sophie being my daughter."

However, he acknowledges the contrasting experience with Abi, saying, "But Abi and I, of course, never had that chance, which is sad in itself, and now here she was, entering my life for the first time, but as a grown woman. In those first minutes it was such a complicated thing to process, for us both."

As Sir David approaches his 85th birthday on February 2, he hopes for a low-key celebration with his family, despite his continued hard work and success in his career. He credits his good fortune to meeting influential figures like the late Ronnie Barker, while also emphasising the importance of effort in his achievements.

The individual shared their philosophy on success, stating: "If you want something, you've got to make it happen. You've got to believe in it and believe in yourself, but you've got to still enjoy the process and I think that's been the most important thing for me, a message I hope will get across to the readers, is you have to work for what you get. It's the journey, not the arrival - that's one of my sayings that I use all the time."

They continued to emphasize the importance of the process over the outcome: "You've got to remember that if you don't enjoy the journey, you're not going to enjoy the arrival because the arrival may never come, may never happen for you. As you've enjoyed that journey, when the time comes and you go up and see the master and say, 'I tried, I didn't make it, but I really enjoyed the process. Thank you very much."

Reflecting on his career, they admitted to having few regrets, though they did recall some early efforts as akin to "flogging a dead horse." Yet, there remains a longing to portray a particular historical figure: "I've always had a great admiration for Winston Churchill. I know he's been played by a couple of people in the past, but I always admired him so much."

They also expressed a desire to focus on the positive aspects of such characters, saying: "I know the fashion these days is to find a hero and then destroy them or show their weaknesses, so I wouldn't be attracted to that side. I would try to be positive. Reason why is there's so much negativity about these days. Everybody seems to want to show all of their weaknesses and the failures of being a human being."

Finally, they revealed their dream role: "Churchill would be, would have been one of my roles if I could cherry pick them."