Sir David Jason has led tributes to his Only Fools And Horses co-star John Challis who has died after a long battle with cancer.
The actor, who is best known for playing Terrance ‘Boycie’ Boyce in the hit comedy sitcom, passed away in his sleep aged 79, his family said after being diagnosed with cancer in 2019.
Sir David, who played Del Boy in the beloved sitcom alongside John as second-hand car dealer Boycie, spoke of his “sadness” following the news.
“It is with much sadness to hear that John Challis, a dear friend, has passed away.
“He was a wonderful actor, a gentleman in the true sense of the word and I know he will be missed by so many.”
He said Boycie was a character “so well loved by fans” that he was pleased John got to see the outpouring of admiration recently shown for the 40th anniversary of the first episode in 1981.
“I send my love and condolences to his wife, Carol,” Sir David added.
He was joined by Sue Holderness, who played Boycie’s wife Marlene on Only Fools, who said she will “miss him every day”.
(Image: Don Smith/Radio Times/Getty Images)
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John also starred in Only Fools spin-off The Green Green Grass and Benidorm, was diagnosed with cancer in 2019.
In a heartfelt message to her onscreen husband of 36 years, the actress said: “Marlene without Boycie – it’s unthinkable.
“John Challis was my partner on screen and stage for 36 years and my beloved friend. R.I.P. darling John. I will miss you every day.”
Vicky Michelle, famous for playing waitress Yvette in ‘Allo! ‘Allo!, also took to Twitter to pay her respects.
Sharing a picture of her smiling next to John, she wrote: “Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Wonderful John Challis such a fabulous man. Loved by the Nation. Condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Asa Elliott, the singer on Benidorm who worked with John when he appeared in the ITV series, spoke of his shock – and revealed his friend had been in touch with him only yesterday.
He tweeted: “I can’t believe John Challis has passed away.
“He literally messaged me yesterday to tell me to have a nice trip way. Such a lovely man.”
Former boxer Frank Bruno said he “cannot believe” the news his friend had died.
Posting a tribute on Twitter, he said: “John Challis RIP cannot believe it.
“He used to say to me “Franklyn my dear boy how the devil are you boxed anybody round the ears recently?” Loved all the TV he did.”
Emmerdale star Lisa Riley shared a photo of the actor alongside a heartfelt tribute.
She said: “Dearest John @BeingBoycie May you rest in peace, the joy, the laughter you brought to Me & Al.
“The great fun we had together, blessed to call you our friend, all our prayers are with Carol today, angels are crying with laughter.
“Love from me, your little green cupcake.”
Piers Morgan also paid tribute calling John “one of British TV’s funniest comic characters”.
He wrote: “RIP John Challis, 79. Boycie was one of British TV’s funniest comic characters. Thanks for all the laughs, John.”
Paul Chuckle posted a funny snap of him and John, alongside Paul’s late brother Barry, in tribute.
He captioned the post: “RIP my friend. An honour to work and call my friend @BeingBoycie. Lots of love to you Carol. He will be sorely missed by many many people.”
EastEnders and Benidorm actor Danny Walters called John a “true legend” and a “true gent”.
He tweeted: “I am saddened to hear about the passing of John Challis. A true legend in the entertainment industry and someone who I admired working with early on in my career.
“A true gent. May you rest in peace my friend. Sending my deepest condolences to his family at this time.”
(Image: Dave J Hogan/Getty Images for Neil Reading PR)
Fellow actor Colin Baker added: “Oh my goodness. My friend John Challis has died. What a lovely man he was funny warm and a great lover of his garden and nature. We are all the poorer for his loss.”
The Three Degrees singer Sheila Ferguson, who appeared to be a close friend of the family, tweeted: “I’ve been waiting for this for a few days now.
“It is with great sadness that I tell you that my dear friend, John Challis (Boycie from OFAH) has just passed.
“I’ve been in touch with his wife, Carol, who is obviously heartbroken, as am I. Much love, S.”
While Gold TV, which often airs reruns of classic Only Fools and Horses episodes, released a statement following the passing of one of their best loved stars.
It said: “We are saddened that the wonderful John Challis who played Boycie so brilliantly in Only Fools and Horses and The Green Green Grass has passed away at 79.
“We adored working with John and will always treasure his on-screen brilliance.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
