I'm tickled pink that he's my dad

I'm incredibly proud but sad for the years we've lost too. Charlie even bought me a Fools & Horses birthday gift

- ASHLEIGH RAINBIRD

Actor Abi Harris has told of her delight at discovering her father is Sir David Jason, after years of wondering.

But this of course is tinged with sadness at the family's lost years together. Now, she and her 10-year-old son Charlie are looking forward to spending more time getting to know her father, his wife, Lady Gill White, 62, and her new sister Sophie, 22.

The 52-year-old said: "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." With Abi and Sophie being brought up as only children, it has delighted both of them to suddenly find they have a sister.

Sophie has offered to help decorate Abi's Brighton home, and makes an effort to pop home from university when she and Charlie are visiting Sir David and Gill.