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The widow of Only Fools and Horses’ John Challis was left “in tears” over a heartfelt gesture at the late actor’s grave.
Sharing a Christmas Day update, Carol uploaded a photo of a festive surprise left at Leintwardine Cemetery, Herefordshire.
John, best known for his portrayal of second-hand car dealer Boycie in the BBC series, died “peacefully in his sleep” after a long battle with cancer in 2021.
His tombstone, which reads: ‘John Challis – actor – 1942-2021’ was decorated with a wreath and a small Christmas tree.
Carol admitted she got emotional over the “beautiful” decorations in a candid update shared with X.
She wrote: “I just cried a little. The people from Wigmore Abbey, Steve, Andrea and Victoria came to see John early this morning and left him all this Christmas beauty. I’ll never forget it, Challis.
Widow of Only Fools and Horses’ John Challis left ‘in tears’ over heartfelt gesture at late actor’s grave (pictured together in 2019)
John, best known for his portrayal of second-hand car dealer Boycie in the BBC series, died “peacefully in his sleep” after a long battle with cancer in 2021.
In October 2021, Carol shared footage from the late actor’s funeral farewell, which included a wicker coffin and his beloved cap that he “wore all the time.”
Carol, who was married to the star for 26 years, shared the touching details of their ‘rainy’ goodbye on Twitter.
Posting on the platform, she wrote: “We gave my lovely man a good send-off yesterday, in the pouring rain, so I’m sharing these photos with you, if you don’t mind.”
‘The flash of red on the wicker is for the lifelong Arsenal fan and the cap was something he wore all the time!’
‘I would like to thank each and every one of you who have posted such lovely thoughts and words of support, and for all the love shown to John.
“It has been overwhelming and it is a great comfort to know that he will never be forgotten.”
Following the actor’s death, Challis’ family said in a statement: “It is with great sadness 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 behind a great legacy of work that will continue to bring delight and smiles for many years to come.”
Sharing an update on Christmas Day, Carol uploaded a photo of a festive surprise left at Leintwardine Cemetery, Herefordshire.
Carol admitted she was moved by the “beautiful” decorations in a candid update shared with X.
Sir David Jason (L) as Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter and John Challis (R) as Boycie on the set of Only Fools and Horses
They continued: “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 where all will be welcome.”
“He will always be loved for being ‘Boycie’ and leaves behind a great legacy of work that will continue to bring delight and smiles for many years to come.”
Sir David Jason, who played Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter in the hit show, called Challis a ‘dear friend’ and a ‘wonderful actor’ and said he was pleased the star had witnessed the great admiration recently shown for the 40th anniversary of the first episode of the comedy.
In a statement, Sir David said: “It is with great sadness to learn that John Challis, a dear friend, has passed away. He was a wonderful actor, a gentleman in the truest sense of the word and I know he will be missed by many.”
“A character much loved by the many fans of that show, so I am pleased that he witnessed the great admiration shown recently on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the first episode in 1981. I send my love and condolences to his wife, Carol.”