Fans of The Feud were overjoyed when an Only Fools And Horses legend made an epic return to TV in the Channel 5 drama. 

The first episode of the new miniseries aired on Monday evening (April 14) and delved into the gritty neighbourhood drama storyline. 

With a talented cast including soap star Jill Halfpenny as Emma Barnett, Gavin & Stacey’s Larry Lamb as Terry and Downtown Abbey’s Amy Nuttall as Sonia, it was set to impress viewers. 

And fans were pleasantly surprised to see another TV icon, Tessa Peake-Jones, from the hit show Only Fools And Horses. 

Tessa plays Barbara, a nosy neighbour who voices her views against Emma’s extension plans and is also dealing with her son going missing. 

According to the Express, when one viewer spotted the actress, they wrote: ‘It’s Raquel from only fools and horses! Haven’t seen her in years!’

The first episode of the new miniseries, The Feud, aired on Monday evening (April 14) and delved into the gritty neighbourhood drama storyline

Fans were pleasantly surprised to see another TV icon, Tessa Peake-Jones (pictured), from the hit show Only Fools And Horses

Tessa plays Barbara, a nosy neighbour who voices her views against Emma’s extension plans and is also dealing with her son going missing

While a second added: ‘Knew I recognised her – Raquel is back!’

Tessa starred in Only Fools And Horses as Raquel Turner, who dated Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter, portrayed by David Jason. 

Other stars include Spooks star Rupert Penry-Jones as Jon Barnett, Coronation Street’s Chris Gascoyne as Peter Barlow and Black Mirror’s Alex Macqueen as Nick.

Speaking of her role, Tessa told Radio Times: ‘We all put on a public face when we meet people and have to behave, and then behind closed doors there’s the private face which could be anything.

‘For Barbara, it’s more emphasised, because what she’s dealing with behind their closed doors is so much more extreme.’

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Co-star Jill previously said: ‘The spiral that we see Emma’s world take in The Feud, from one seemingly innocent situation to life-altering revelations, is something I can’t wait to dive into! 

‘Getting to work in the Northeast with the teams at Channel 5 and Lonesome Pine, along with the rest of this brilliant cast, is a joy.’ 

While Channel 5 boss Paul Testar added: ‘Neighbourly disputes happen every day. The Feud takes that premise and runs with it to its extreme limit. 

‘What starts as an innocuous renovation triggers an extraordinary sequence of events. 

‘We’re excited to work with the wonderful team at Lonesome Pine again to bring this great story and stellar cast to the Channel 5 audience.’

So far, the series has received many positive verdicts from fans including one who posted on X: ‘I rather enjoyed the first episode. Good cast of dodgy characters and a brisk pace. The flashforward opener was a great hook.’ 

Tessa starred in Only Fools And Horses as Raquel Turner, who dated Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter, portrayed by David Jason

So far, the series has received many positive verdicts from fans online, though not everyone has been as impressed

‘Excellent first episode. Lots of intrigue!’

‘After watching the first episode of #TheFeud I can say ‘This is right up my street’.’

‘#thefeud Blimey, they’re all in it! An illustrious list of well-knowns … including Julius Nicholson from The Thick of It! Bring in Malcolm Tucker.’

‘Think I have counted at least 5 soap stars so far. The Channel 5 payroll.’

‘#thefeud This is looking good, great cast too. #Ch5.’

Though some haven’t been as impressed and one penned: ‘Is the annoying background music absolutely necessary? #thefeud.’