‘Only Fools and Horses’ Star John Challis Dies Aged 79

“Only Fools And Horses” prima John Challis has died from crab astatine the property of 79, his household has said.

He was champion known for his portrayal of unscrupulous second-hand car trader Boycie successful the beloved sitcom, alongside Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst.

He cancelled a 30-date speaking circuit earlier this period aft lone 1 quality owed to sick health.

A connection from his household to the PA quality bureau said: “It is with dense hearts that we bring you specified bittersweet news. Our beloved person and yours, John Challis, has died peacefully successful his sleep, aft a agelong conflict with cancer.

“He volition ever beryllium loved for being ‘Boycie’ and leaves a large bequest of enactment that volition proceed to bring pleasance and smiles for galore years to come.

“Please respect the privateness of John’s household and friends astatine this hard time, and beryllium assured that successful the aboriginal determination volition beryllium an juncture to observe John’s life—when everyone volition beryllium invited to travel along.”

Boycie, a cigar-smoking businessman with a mocking laugh, was joined to the feisty Marlene—played by Sue Holderness—and regularly butted heads with Sir David’s Del Boy.

Holderness said successful a statement: “Marlene without Boycie—it’s unthinkable. John Challis was my spouse connected surface and signifier for 36 years and my beloved friend. R.I.P. darling John. I volition miss you each day.”

Handout representation issued connected Dec. 23, 2001 from BBC representation publicity of Sid (Roy Heather), Denzil (Patrick Barber),Trig (Roger Lloyd Pack), Marlene (Sue Holderness), Boycie (John Challis) and Mickey Pearce (Patrick Murray) successful the Christmas Day peculiar of Only Fools and Horses. (BBC via PA)

Challis was calved successful Bristol but moved to southeast London erstwhile helium was one.

He attended the authorities boarding Ottershaw School adjacent Woking, Surrey, and worked arsenic a trainee property cause earlier becoming a nonrecreational actor.

Early roles included gangster play “Big Breadwinner Hog” successful 1969 and a recurring relation connected “Z-Cars” arsenic Sergeant Culshaw betwixt 1971 and 1975.

Challis played Terrance Aubrey Boyce successful “Only Fools And Horses” from 1981 to 2003, arsenic good arsenic successful the Boycie-focused spin-off amusement “The Green Green Grass.”

He precocious became an honorary national of Serbia, wherever the BBC sitcom remains hugely popular.

Challis made the documentary “Boycie In Belgrade,” exploring wherefore the amusement was truthful beloved successful the Balkan country.

He was besides known for playing Monty Staines successful the ITV sitcom “Benidorm.”

Challis performed connected the signifier with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, and regularly appeared successful pantomime productions.

His household person requested that alternatively of flowers, donations are made to his favoured carnal charities—Cuan Wildlife Rescue, Tusk, and The British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

Their connection added, “As Boycie would person said … you cognize it makes sense!”