Only Fools and Horses legend now lives a very different lifestyle after ditching fame

Despite starring in one of the most legendary British television sitcoms of all time, this Only Fools and Horses legend has happily stepped away from the spotlight after finding his calling in a very rewarding vocation.

I'll bet you never thought that 'Mental Mickey Maguire' would turn his life around like that, eh?

It's the role that actor Daniel Peacock is best known for, but he couldn't be more different in real life - as fronting the band 'A Bunch of Wallies' and rioting in Peckham isn't really up the 65-year-old's street.

The character brought us plenty of laughs alongside Del Boy and Rodney - but unlike the barmy singer he played in Only Fools and Horses, Peacock isn't interested in fame or fortune.

Instead, he finds fulfilment in offering other people a hand, having ditched rubbing shoulders with stars in favour of becoming a carer.

Peacock starred as Mental Mickey in Only Fools and Horses (BBC)

However, Peacock still finds time to work on his creative projects too.

The actor was destined to be a star and got bitten by the entertainment bug as a child, attending the Central School of Speech and Drama, before leaving early to purse a career as a comedian.

He worked for Pontins Holiday camp while he was still waiting for his big break to come along, while fronting the band The Wild Women of Wonga in the early 80's before returning his focus to acting.

Peacock, from Hammersmith, London, has plenty of incredible credits under his belt thanks to earning gigs on the likes of Young Ones, Robin of Sherwood, The Bill, Doctor Who, Casualty and One Foot in the Grave.

On top of that, he's also an incredible writer who came up with the concept for shows including Teenage Health Freak, Sister Said, Cavegirl and his most recent project Marley's Ghosts.

But the dad-of-four is now employed in a care home - and he reckons his new job has 'made him a better person'.

He was inspired to get into the industry after he had to step up to look after his father Trevor - who is also an actor, most recognised for starring Jim Trott in The Vicar of Dibley - when he was diagnosed with dementia.

Peacock, who also had experience at a local care home, explained that he decided to make it a full-time thing due to the joy that helping others brought him.

He couldn't be more different from his memorable character in the sitcom in real life (BBC)

As well as that, his son gave him a prod in the right direction after noticing that his dad was watching too much TV.

Speaking to MyLondon about his career change, Peacock said: "I try to inject fun and love into every day, it doesn’t become exhausting, I find myself very lucky to be here.

"This is my first job, ever in my life. I was 61-years-old when I got here. I’m passionate about making the residents' lives as fun and fulfilling as I possibly can."

The actor explained that he bought a caravan in Kent so he had a place where he could seek some 'solitude' while he worked on his writing, which allowed him to unwind without 'pressure and stress'.

He continued: "I started watching TV programs I’ve never watched before in my life, not the greatest but they were on TV.

"Then my son Charlie said 'Dad you’re watching way too much television' and suggested I get a job."

And that's exactly what he did, seeing him bag a job at a care home in East Sussex.

Peacock added: "A lot of the residents have lived history, during and at the end of the war so you bond with people here.

"My dad died of that horrible disease but working here has made me a better person."