Vale: John Challis

British actor John Challis, best known for Only Fools And Horses, has died, aged 79.

The actor’s family said in a statement, “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.

“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.

Challis played unscrupulous second-hand car dealer Boycie in Only Fools And Horses, alongside Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst from 1981 to 2003.

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

He also played the role in spin-off show The Green Green Grass and was well-known for playing Monty Staines in sitcom Benidorm.

“He was a wonderful actor, a gentleman in the true sense of the word and I know he will be missed by so many,” said David Jason.

He described Boycie as “a character so well loved by the many fans of that show so I am pleased that he witnessed 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.”

Source: Seven News