My fuel flap refused to open, and I managed to force it open with a plastic trim tool. The actuator had failed, so I purchased a new on from TPs at £30.  Looked easy to fit, as several videos on YouTube. Unfortunately, Skoda has made it difficult to remove the fuel door, as it is necessary now to remove the o/s rear wheel, the wheel liner to locate the nuts/screw, which hold it on. Then you can pull away the whole assembly from the tank nozzle and replace the actuator. I took it to my local mechanical garage , and they fixed it for £40. 

If you force the fuel flap open, you may break of a piece of the plastic slot the actuator arm fin rotates into when locked. I did, but it still locks. It may be possible to slightly pull open the flap,  push a slim tool into the slot and rotate the horizontal fin vertical.

My 2013 Octavia has just developed this problem. Tried slim bike tyre levers to pry open the rear edge where it usually releases, but it feels locked tight. Does anybody have photos of the receptacle that the actuator spindle fits into? I may have to buy the actuator too when I do (might be if) get it open, if anyone has the part code handy.

2 hours ago, Pilotguy said:

My 2013 Octavia has just developed this problem. Tried slim bike tyre levers to pry open the rear edge where it usually releases, but it feels locked tight. Does anybody have photos of the receptacle that the actuator spindle fits into? I may have to buy the actuator too when I do (might be if) get it open, if anyone has the part code handy.

The last comment on page1 gives a part number & on page 2 a comment from BJM on 7/2/20 lists another part number

It’s still happening to me every few weeks. I definitely need to get on to TPS and order a 7P0 - 810 - 773 - F actuator on Monday. Meanwhile a decent nylon trim pry tool kept in the glovebox is a must!

 

BJM on 7/2/20