Sir David Jason meets daughter he didn't know existed for 52 years

Sir David Jason has opened up about his new-found relationship with his daughter who he only met after 52 years.

The 83-year-old actor - best known for his role as Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter in much-loved BBC series Only Fools and Horses - has discovered he has another daughter after 52 years.

Sir David already has one child - 22-year-old Sophie Mae Jason, who he shares with his wife, assistant director Gill Hinchcliffe - but found out he has another daughter, as well as a grandson too.

The actor has since spoken out about the discovery.

In an interview with the Mirror, Sir David revealed he'd found out he had a 52-year-old daughter named Abi after she wrote him a letter.

He then took a paternity test which confirmed the news, and noted it would be 'an understatement' to say it was 'a surprise' he had another child.

Sir David continued: "However, on settling with the news, I am delighted that I am now able to get to know Abi and so we meet up when we can."

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Abi's mum is actor Jennifer Hill - who featured in a 2005 episode of Doctor Who - and who Sir David had a brief relationship with in 1970 when they both starred in theatrical production Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas at the May Fair theatre.

Alongside gaining another daughter, the actor has also gained his first grandchild - 10-year-old Charlie.

Sir David noted Hinchcliffe and Sophie have been 'very supportive' of the discovery.

"[They have been] understanding and have embraced Abi and welcomed her and her young son into her now wider family," he said.

Abi is reported to be following in her father's footsteps as an actor.

Sir David reportedly spent time with his daughter and grandson over the Christmas period at his home in Ellesborough, Buckinghamshire and Charlie helps him in his workshop building model rockets.

Despite 52 years apart, Sir David and his daughter are reported as doing their best to make up for the time not spent together and are 'meeting up when they can during holidays'.

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Abi resolved: "In ­discovering my father’s identity, I am starting to piece together my own.

"Of course, I am tickled pink and incredibly proud but, frequently, completely overwhelmed with sorrow for the years we have lost.

"After a measured start, now I hope we can consciously make time to see each other more often, so that I can master the art of being the best big sister and build a ­meaningful father-daughter relationship in its truest sense."