John Challis dead: Only Fools and Horses star Boycie ‘dies in his sleep’ aged 79

Only Fools and Horses actor John Challis has died at the age of 79, his family has confirmed.

The actor, best known for playing Terrance Aubrey “Boycie” Boyce in the beloved sitcom, died “peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer,” his family said.

The full statement read: “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.

“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.”

John’s family has asked that, rather than sending flowers, fans make donations to animal charities Cuan Wildlife Rescue, Tusk or British Hedgehogs.

The statement finished: “As Boycie would have said… you know it makes sense!”

Tributes began pouring in immediately, with one fan writing: “Terrible news, was a lovely man, had the pleasure of meeting him, a true gent.”

Another person said: “Oh no, such sad news! Thank goodness for video and DVD and TV, his memory will live on. RIP John.”

And a third wrote: “Heartbreaking. What an absolute legend. Boycie will always be one of the greatest characters of any TV show.”

John is survived by his fourth wife Carol. They were married in Brighton in 1995.

He did not have any children but was passionately involved in animal welfare and was a patron to the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

John was most well-known for Only Fools and Horses and its spinoff The Green Green Grass. But he had many other roles, including the role of Monty Staines in Benidorm from 2015 to 2018.

He has also appeared in popular series such as Last of the Summer Wine, My Family, Doctors, Heartbeat, Casualty, The Bill and Soldier Soldier.

John’s character on Only Fools and Horses was Marlene Boyce. Sue Holderness played her.

Marlene was known to have been close to Del Boy, as she was close to Boycie’s friend.

Boycie and Marlene were always arguing and insulting each other, however they were madly in love and eventually had a child together, Tyler – although there were jokes that Del Boy could’ve been the dad.

John was diagnosed with cancer in 2019. He announced earlier this month that he had cancelled several tours dates because of his illness.

Loose Women hosted Sue Holderness’ appearance to mark the 40th anniversary for Only Fools earlier this month.

While on the show, she said: “Over the years we have become great friends.

“We toured together for four years after Only Fools ended and of course, four years doing the spin-off series, Green Green Grass.”

She went on: “I know you’re all interested because John’s had the diagnosis that he’s not been well.

“And he’s very disappointed that he had to cancel his one-man tour.”

Sue added: “Let’s all have positive thinking, but don’t be too upset, we had lunch in the pub three weeks ago.

“And two weeks ago, exactly I spent all day with him filming a little documentary about Only Fools.”

“He’s low at the moment.

“But enough positive thinking and he’ll get home, have some rest and he’ll get back and having us all laugh again very soon.”

Sadly that wasn’t meant to be, and John’s friend Sheila Ferguson of The Three Degrees shared the news on Twitter as his family announced his death.

The singer wrote: “I’ve been waiting for this for a few days now. It is with deep sadness that I inform you that John Challis, my dear friend (Boycie of OFAH), has passed away. I have been in touch with Carol Challis, his wife. She is clearly heartbroken as well. “Much love, Sxx.”

John kept working despite his illness. It was only after doctors advised that he had to cancel his tour dates.

In 2020, he fronted a documentary – Boycie in Belgrade – which looked at why Only Fools and Horses was so popular in Serbia.

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