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The widow of Only Fools and Horses’ John Challis was left ‘weeping’ over a heartfelt gesture at the late actors grave.
Sharing an update on Christmas Day, Carol uploaded a photo of a festive surprise left at the cemetery in Leintwardine, Herefordshire.
John, who was 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 headstone, which reads: ‘John Challis – actor – 1942-2021’ was decorated with a wreath and a small Christmas tree.
Carol admitted that she got emotional over the ‘lovely’ decorations in a candid update shared to X.
She wrote: ‘I’ve just had a little weep.The people at Wigmore Abbey, Steve, Andrea and Victoria went to see John early this morning and left all this Christmas loveliness for him. Never forgotten, Challis.’
The widow of Only Fools and Horses’ John Challis was left ‘weeping’ over a heartfelt gesture at the late actors grave (pictured together in 2019)
John, who was 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
Back in October 2021, Carol shared pictures of the late actor’s funeral send off, 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 his ‘rainy’ send off 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 pics with you, if you don’t mind.
‘The red flash on the wicker is for the lifelong Arsenal fan and the cap was something he wore all the time!’
‘I’d like to thank each and every one of you who has posted such lovely thoughts and words of support, and for all the love shown for John.
It has been overwhelming and it’s a great comfort to know he will never be forgotten.’
Following the actor’s death, Challis’ 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.’
Sharing an update on Christmas Day, Carol uploaded a photo of a festive surprise left at the cemetery in Leintwardine, Herefordshire
Carol admitted that she got emotional over the ‘lovely’ decorations in a candid update shared to X
Sir David Jason (L) as Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter and John Challis (R) as Boycie on 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 – when everyone will be welcome to come along.’
‘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.’
Sir David Jason, who played Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter on the hit show, called Challis a ‘dear friend’ and ‘wonderful actor’ and said he was pleased the star had witnessed the outpouring of admiration recently shown for the 40th anniversary of the first episode of the sitcom.
In a statement Sir David said: ‘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.’
‘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.’
