Bye to Boycie as screen star Challis dies
ONLY Fools And Horses star John Challis has died from cancer at the age of 79, his family announced yesterday.
He was best-known for his portrayal of second-hand car dealer Boycie in the beloved BBC sitcom, alongside Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst.
Challis cancelled a 30-date speaking tour earlier this month after only one appearance due to ill health. His family said he died peacefully in his sleep, adding he ‘will always be loved for being Boycie... and leaves a legacy of work that will continue to bring pleasure for many years to come’.
Sir David described Challis as ‘a gentleman in the true sense of the word’. He said Boycie was ‘a character so well loved... so I am pleased that he witnessed the outpouring of admiration for the 40th anniversary of the first episode in 1981’. He added: ‘I send my love and condolences to his wife, Carol.’
Boycie, a cigar-smoking businessman with a mocking laugh, was married to the feisty Marlene – played by Sue Holderness – and regularly butted heads with Sir David’s Del Boy.
Holderness said: ‘Marlene without Boycie – it’s unthinkable. John Challis was my partner on screen and stage for 36 years and my beloved friend. RIP darling John.’ Born in Bristol, Challis moved to south-east London as a child, making his name as an actor in Z-Cars between 1971 and 1975. He also performed on the stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, and regularly appeared in pantomime productions.