Only Fools and Horses star John Challis dies aged 79
Only Fools and Horses star John Challis dies aged 79: Actor who played Boycie in hit sitcom passes away ‘peacefully in his sleep’ after long battle with cancer
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Only Fools And Horses star John Challis has died ‘peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer’ aged 79, his family said.
Challis was best-known for his portrayal of second-hand car dealer Boycie – a cigar-smoking businessman with a mocking laugh who butted heads with Sir David Jason’s Del Boy – in the beloved British sitcom, starring alongside Sir David and Nicholas Lyndhurst.
He cancelled a 30-date speaking tour earlier this month after only one appearance due to ill health.
Challis had an extensive television career but is best known for portraying Terrance Aubrey ‘Boycie’ Boyce in the long-running BBC Television sitcom Only Fools and Horses (1981–2003) and its sequel/spin-off The Green Green Grass (2005–2009) and Monty Staines from the seventh series onwards in the ITV sitcom Benidorm from 2015 to 2018.
Challis was born in Bristol but when he was one year old, the family moved to south east London. He attended the state boarding Ottershaw School near Woking, Surrey. Upon leaving school he worked as a trainee estate agent before becoming a professional actor.
In a statement, his family said: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we bring you such sad news. Our dear friend and yours, John Challis, has died peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer.
Only Fools And Horses star John Challis has died ‘peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer’ aged 79
Challis was granted honorary citizenship in Serbia for his portrayal of Boycie in the much-loved British comedy series alongside Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst (pictured on Only Fools And Horses in 2001)
Famous role: The actor played Boycie – or Terrance Aubrey Boyce – between 1981 and 2009 (pictured in OFAH in 2001)
Characters: A whole host of legendary Only Fools And Horses characters appear in this photo. John Challis, who played Boycie, David Jason, Kenneth MacDonald, Roger Lloyd-Pack and Nicholas Lyndhurst are all seen standing next to each other out on the street during filming for series six episode three, Chain Gang. The episode, which aired in 1989, saw Del Boy put together a consortium to buy a set of 18 carat gold chains from a retired jeweller
Steady on: John Challis, who played Boycie, David Jason, Kenneth MacDonald, Roger Lloyd-Pack and Nicholas Lyndhurst take part in a raucous scene from series six episode three, called Chain Gang. The group of characters are seen preparing to give chase to a group of con-men in Del’s three-wheeled van in the 1989 episode
‘He will always be loved for being ‘Boycie’ and leaves a great legacy of work that will continue to bring pleasure and smiles for many years to come. Please respect the privacy of John’s family and friends at this difficult time, and be assured that in the future there will be an occasion to celebrate John’s life – when everyone will be welcome to come along.’
Challis’ family said donations in his memory can be made to his chosen animal charities Cuan Wildlife Rescue, Tusk or the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. Their statement added: ‘As Boycie would have said… you know it makes sense!’
He recently became an honorary citizen of Serbia, where the BBC sitcom remains hugely popular. Challis made the documentary Boycie In Belgrade, exploring why the show was so beloved in the Balkan country.
Challis was also known for playing Monty Staines in ITV sitcom Benidorm.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow…
