Abi Harris is a British actress best known for being the daughter of legendary actor Sir David Jason. Born in October 1970 to actress Jennifer Hill following a brief relationship with Jason, Abi grew up unaware of her biological father’s true identity for over fifty years. Her existence became public knowledge in early 2023 after a DNA paternity test confirmed the connection, a revelation that stunned the entertainment world. Abi, who has appeared in productions such as Doctor Who and Under Milk Wood, has since been warmly welcomed into the Jason family, building a relationship with her father, his wife Lady Gill, and her half-sister Sophie. She is also a mother to a son named Charlie, who is Sir David Jason’s first grandchild.
The Paternity Revelation: A 52-Year Secret
The discovery of Abi Harris’s biological father is one of the most heartwarming and surprising stories in modern British celebrity history.
The Letter That Changed Everything
In 2022, Abi Harris wrote a heartfelt letter to Sir David Jason after years of harboring suspicions about her parentage. She had noticed a striking physical resemblance between herself and the Only Fools and Horses star, particularly his distinctive nose. The letter opened with a poignant quote from Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood, a play that both her mother and Sir David had performed together in 1970.
DNA Confirmation and Public News
Sir David Jason agreed to a paternity test, which returned a positive match in early 2023. At the age of 83, the actor discovered he had a 52-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old grandson. The news was met with grace and support from Sir David’s wife, Gill, and their daughter Sophie, who embraced Abi as a new member of the family.
Biography and Early Life
Abi Harris was born into the world of acting, though her “beginning” remained a mystery even to her for decades.
Born into the Arts
Abi was born in October 1970 in Brighton. Her mother was the late actress Jennifer Hill, who had a brief relationship with David Jason while they were both appearing in a stage production of Under Milk Wood at the Arts Theatre in London. Jennifer Hill was a respected actress in her own right, appearing in iconic projects like Octopussy and Doctor Who.
Growing Up in Brighton
For most of her life, Abi believed her father was Geoffrey Harris, her mother’s husband. It was only later in life, following conversations with her mother and observing her own reflection on screen, that she began to question her heritage. Despite the “missing years,” Abi has expressed a sense of relief and joy at finally knowing the truth of her “beginning.”
Acting Career and Screen Credits
Like her father and mother, Abi Harris pursued a career in the performing arts, often crossing paths with the man she didn’t know was her father.
Notable Roles
Abi Harris has maintained a steady career in television and theater. Her credits include:
- Doctor Who: Appearing in the long-running sci-fi series (similar to her mother).
- Under Milk Wood (2008): In a bizarre twist of fate, Abi appeared in a 2008 reprisal of the play alongside Sir David Jason. At the time, neither was aware they were father and daughter.
Theater Productions: She has performed in various regional theaters across the UK, specializing in classic drama and comedy.
The “Same Nose” Discovery
Abi has often joked that it was seeing her father’s profile on television that led her to the truth. In the acting world, physical “types” are everything, and Abi’s resemblance to Sir David was often commented on by peers, leading her to eventually seek a DNA test to “let the matter rest.”
Family Life in 2026
As of 2026, Abi Harris is fully integrated into the wider Jason family, navigating the complexities of a new father-daughter dynamic.
Grandson Charlie
Abi is the mother of Charlie, born around 2013. Charlie is notably Sir David Jason’s first and only grandchild. Reports from 2025 and 2026 suggest that Charlie has a close bond with his grandfather, often spending time in Sir David’s workshop at his home in Ellesborough, Buckinghamshire.
Relationship with Sophie Jason
Abi has a half-sister, Sophie, who is roughly 30 years her junior. The two have worked consciously to build a sisterly bond. In interviews and Sir David’s recent memoir, the family has spoken about the “lost time” but also the “rich pattern of life” that brought them together in their later years.
Practical Information and FAQs
For fans and researchers looking for quick facts about Abi Harris in 2026.
- Current Status: Living in Brighton, actively involved in family life and regional theater.
- Official Memoir: Details of the discovery can be found in Sir David Jason’s 2024 book, This Time Next Year.
- Grandson: Charlie (12-13 years old in 2026).
Artistic Legacy: A Triple-Threat Lineage
The “Jason-Harris” connection is unique in British entertainment, as all three biological parents and the child herself are accomplished performers.
Comparing Careers: David, Jennifer, and Abi
Sir David Jason’s career is defined by legendary comedic and dramatic versatility, from Only Fools and Horses to A Touch of Frost. Her mother, Jennifer Hill, was equally versatile, appearing in the James Bond film Octopussy and various classic television dramas. In 2026, analysts often point to Abi Harris as the perfect blend of these two influences. Her acting style mirrors her mother’s dramatic poise while occasionally channeling the subtle physical comedy that made her father a household name.
The “Under Milk Wood” Full Circle
In one of the most incredible coincidences in theater history, Sir David and Jennifer Hill performed in Under Milk Wood together in 1970 (the year of Abi’s conception). In 2008, a reprisal of the play featured both Sir David and Abi Harris, though neither knew their biological link at the time. Today, this production is viewed as a poignant “lost moment” where father and daughter shared a stage as strangers, a theme David Jason has reflected on deeply in his recent memoirs.
Grandson Charlie: The Bonding Bridge
If Abi Harris was the surprise, her son Charlie has been the “glue” that helped the two families merge so successfully between 2023 and 2026.
Workshops and Rockets
Now aged 12, Charlie has formed a significant bond with his grandfather. Sir David, an avid tinkerer and pilot, has reportedly invited Charlie into his home workshop in Buckinghamshire to work on model rockets and electronics kits. This mentorship has provided a practical, low-pressure way for the “new” family members to spend time together, bypassing the initial awkwardness of a 52-year separation.
“Charlie the Hair”
Sir David affectionately nicknamed his grandson “Charlie the Hair” due to the boy’s thick, brown locks—a feature Sir David jokingly admits makes him “terrifically jealous.” This lighthearted banter, shared during a 2024 BBC Breakfast interview, signaled to the public that the relationship had moved past formal introductions into genuine, affectionate family territory.
Timeline: The Reunion (2022–2026)
The journey from a mysterious letter to a shared Christmas dinner was a carefully navigated process.
- September 2022: Abi Harris sends a “shaking-hands” letter to Sir David Jason requesting an anonymous DNA test after years of suspicion.
- January 2023: DNA results confirm a 99.9% match. Sir David breaks the news to his wife, Lady Gill, and daughter, Sophie.
- March 2023: The news is made public. Sir David releases a statement expressing his “delight” at the discovery.
- December 2024: Abi and Charlie spend their second full Christmas with the Jasons at their Buckinghamshire estate, playing board games and solidifying their bond.
- October 2025: Sir David discusses the “giant” growth spurt of his grandson in several interviews, noting how much life has changed in just three years.
- January 2026: Abi Harris is fully integrated into family events, often spotted with her half-sister Sophie, who has helped her decorate her Brighton home.
FAQs
Did Abi Harris know Sir David before the test?
They had crossed paths in professional circles and even appeared in the same play in 2008, but they had no idea they were related until 2023.
What is Sir David Jason’s grandson’s name?
His name is Charlie, and he will be approximately 12 years old in 2026.
How did David Jason’s wife react to the news?
Lady Gill White was described as incredibly supportive and was the one who encouraged Sir David to welcome Abi and Charlie into their lives immediately.
Does Abi Harris have any siblings?
She has one half-sister, Sophie Mae Jason (born 2001). Sophie was raised as an only child for 22 years before discovering she had an older sister.
What is Abi Harris’s latest acting role?
As of 2026, she continues to work in audio dramas and regional theater, including several voice roles for the Doctor Who expanded universe.
Why did Abi wait until she was 52 to reach out?
She felt a sense of loyalty to the man who raised her, Geoffrey Harris, and only felt comfortable seeking the truth years after his passing and as her own son, Charlie, began to grow.
Where does the Jason-Harris family meet up?
They frequently meet at Sir David’s country home in Buckinghamshire, though Sophie has also visited Abi in Brighton.
Is there a documentary about their story?
While no official documentary has aired, the story is a central part of Sir David Jason’s 2024 autobiography, This Time Next Year.
Has Abi Harris changed her name to Jason?
As of 2026, she continues to use her professional name, Abi Harris, which she has used throughout her acting career.
Is Abi Harris a billionaire heir?
While Sir David Jason is wealthy, Abi has stated from the beginning that she was never looking for financial support, only her true identity.
Who is Abi Harris?
Abi Harris is a British actress and the biological daughter of Sir David Jason, discovered through a paternity test in 2023.
How old is Abi Harris?
Born in October 1970, Abi Harris is 55 years old as of early 2026.
Who is Abi Harris’s mother?
Her mother was the actress Jennifer Hill, who passed away in 2023 shortly after the paternity discovery.
Is Abi Harris in Doctor Who?
Yes, she has appeared in Doctor Who, following in the footsteps of her mother who also appeared in the series.
Does Sir David Jason have other children?
Yes, he has a younger daughter, Sophie, born in 2001 to his wife Lady Gill.
How did Abi Harris find out David Jason was her father?
She noticed a physical resemblance and knew her mother had worked with him in 1970; she wrote him a letter requesting a DNA test.
Who is Abi Harris’s son?
Her son is named Charlie, and he is Sir David Jason’s first grandchild.
Where does Abi Harris live?
She is based in Brighton, UK.
What was the play where David Jason and Jennifer Hill met?
They met during a production of Under Milk Wood in 1970.
Is Abi Harris still acting in 2026?
Yes, she remains active in the UK acting community, particularly in theater.
Has Abi Harris written a book?
While she has not published a memoir yet, her story is a central theme in Sir David Jason’s latest autobiography.
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