Famous actors from Only Fools, Coronation Street and more almost played Victor in One Foot in the Grave

It’s always fun to imagine who could’ve played our favorite characters in our favorite TV shows and movies, even if the actors who ultimately portrayed them did a perfect job. Take the American version of The Office, for instance. There was a lot of pressure to get the show right after the success of the original, and a handful of really well-known celebrities tried out for parts. Seth Rogen and Patton Oswalt, for example, auditioned for the coveted role of Dwight Schrute, modeled after Gareth Keenan.

When it comes to our beloved UK sitcoms and dramas, there are so many roles that almost went to famous actors. And in a new report from My London, we’ve just discovered that the part of Victor Meldrew in One Foot in the Grave almost went to other stars that we know very well.

One Foot in the Grave was a British sitcom which ran from 1990 to 1995, followed by Christmas specials. The main characters consisted of the protagonist Victor (Richard Wilson), his wife Margaret Meldrew (Annette Crosbie), Margaret’s good — and sometimes annoying — friend Jean Warboys (Doreen Mantle), and neighbors Patrick Trench (Angus Deayton) and Pippa Trench (Janine Duvitski).

Before Scottish star Richard Wilson won the part of Victor, three recognizable actors were reportedly up for the part, according to My London: Timothy West, best known for his parts as Stan Carter in EastEnders and Eric Babbage in Coronation Street, Jim Broadbent, famous for playing Roy Slater in Only Fools and Horses and Horace Slughorn in the Harry Potter films, and Andrew Sachs, who TV lovers will remember played Manuel in Fawlty Towers and Ramsay Clegg in Coronation Street.

Boy, would we love to get our hands on those audition tapes for One Foot in the Grave!

Though Carter, Broadbent, and Sachs are all very talented actors, we’re happy the role of Victor Meldrew went to Richard Wilson. He played the grumpy old man part so well! It took some convincing for him to agree to be part of the cast, and according to The Sunday Post (via My London), comedian Les Dawson was also considered for the role.

If you’re in need for a rewatch of One Foot in the Grave like we are, you can find all six series on Amazon Prime Video or BritBox.