Every great sitcom needs a villain you can boo. Slater is that villain. He’s not a cartoon baddie with a monologue—he’s a real kind of nasty. The sort who’d smile at your nan while nicking her pension. He represents everything Del is trying to escape: small-time crime with no ambition except to drag others down.
But here’s the kicker: Slater is also hilarious. His complete lack of shame is comedy gold. Remember when he tries to sell Del a stolen car that’s literally still hot from a heist? “It’s a bargain, Del! One careful owner—well, not careful, but they’re in jail now, so no complaints.” You want to punch him, but you’re laughing too hard.
Slater Arrives! | Only Fools and Horses | BBC Comedy Greats - YouTube
He only appeared in three episodes. Three! That’s criminal. Jim Broadbent made such an impact that fans still quote “mustard” like it’s a threat. Imagine if he’d been in “Miami Twice”? Slater would have ended up running a crooked tanning salon and selling fake alligator handbags. It would have been glorious.
The Aftermath and Legacy
Slater pops up again in the 1996 special “Time on Our Hands.” He’s older, greyer, but still a slimeball. This time, he’s selling a fake watch to Rodney. And guess what? He still has that jar of mustard. Some things never change. It’s like he’s fueled by spite and yellow condiments.
What makes Roy Slater special is that he’s a mirror. He shows what Del could have become if he’d gone down a crueler path. Del Boy is a rogue, but he’s got a heart. Slater? He’s all rind and vinegar. That’s why we remember him. That’s why he’s the best villain in the show—by a long shot.
So next time you watch Only Fools, pay attention when Slater slithers onto the screen. Raise your cup of tea to a brilliant bastard. And maybe, just maybe, avoid the mustard. You don’t want to catch whatever he’s got.
