Only Fools and Horses star John Challis, who played Boycie, dies aged 79

The Only Fools And Horses star John Challis - best-known for his portrayal of the unscrupulous second-hand car dealer Boycie - has died from cancer at the age of 79.

A statement from his family said: "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."

Challis played Terrance Aubrey Boyce in Only Fools And Horses from 1981 to 2003, alongside Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst. He also appeared in the Boycie-focused spin-off show The Green Green Grass. He also played Monty Staines in the ITV sitcom Benidorm.

He recently became an honorary citizen of Serbia, where the BBC sitcom remains hugely popular and had made the documentary Boycie In Belgrade, exploring why the show was so beloved in the Balkan country.

From one scene to show stalwart

Challis was in his late 30s when he landed the role of Boycie after impressing the Only Fools And Horses creator John Sullivan in Citizen Smith, the show he created before making the Trotters household names.

Initially, the part was just one scene before the car salesman became more prominent as the hugely popular series continued.

Boycie was married to the feisty Marlene - played by Sue Holderness - and the state of their marriage became a running joke, with repeated gags about her alleged promiscuity.

Tributes from screen royalty

Sir David Jason led the tributes to Challis, writing in a statement: "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 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."

Sue Holderness, who played his on-screen wife, said in a statement: "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."

The Three Degrees singer Sheila Ferguson posted a picture of herself with Challis on Twitter as she described herself as "heartbroken".

She said: "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."

'Allo 'Allo! actress Vicki Michelle said on Twitter: "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."

The former heavyweight champion boxer Frank Bruno tweeted: "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."

Les Dennis tweeted: "So shocked and saddened to hear that the wonderful John Challis has passed. A lovely man and a brilliant actor, he will be so missed. Thoughts and love with Carol,his friends and family. RIP Dear John."