Sir David quitting Touch of Frost

Sir David has played Det Insp Jack Frost for 16 years

Sir David Jason is to quit his role as Det Insp Jack Frost after 16 years, the actor has announced.

Sir David, best known as Del Trotter in BBC One's Only Fools and Horses, said his character in ITV1's A Touch of Frost was "a little long in the tooth".

The actor, 68, told a press conference in London that it was "time for Frost to hang up his coat and scarf".

Three new episodes of the show will be shown in the autumn followed by a two-part finale to be shown next year.

One doesn't want to go on and on - you don't want to outlive your welcome Sir David Jason

Sir David has played cantankerous Det Insp Frost since 1992, starring in more than 40 episodes.

"It's time to move on," Sir David said.

"You wouldn't want me to play Frost in a wheelchair, would you? It's a sad day for us all.

"One doesn't want to go on and on - you don't want to outlive your welcome."

An ITV spokeswoman said producers had yet to decide how Sir David's character would make his exit next year.

The actor will continue to work with the broadcaster and will appear in new show Albert's Memorial, about three World War II war veterans, the spokeswoman added.