John Challis, best known for playing Boycie in Only Fools and Horses, has died aged 79.

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In a statement, 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.”

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Challis’ family said donations in his memory can be made to his chosen animal charities Cuan Wildlife Rescue, Tusk or the British Hedgehog Preservation Society. Their statement added: ‘As Boycie would have said… you know it makes sense!’

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Tributes poured in on Sunday after it was announced Challis had died from cancer at the age of 79.

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Challis had an extensive television career but is best known for portraying Terrance Aubrey ‘Boycie’ Boyce in the long-running BBC Television sitcom Only Fools and Horses (1981–2003) and its sequel/spin-off The Green Green Grass (2005–2009) and Monty Staines from the seventh series onwards in the ITV sitcom Benidorm from 2015 to 2018.

Challis played Scorby in the Doctor Who television story The Seeds of Doom and voiced the fifth incarnation of Drax in the Big Finish audio story The Trouble with Drax.