Sir David Jason pays tribute to his late friend John Challis

They both starred in Only Fools and Horses

Author: Natalie ReesPublished 20th Sep 2021
Last updated 20th Sep 2021

Sir David Jason has opened up about the sad death of his friend and Only Fools and Horses co-star John Challis.

John Challis played the character of Boycie alongside David Jason's Del Boy in the legendary BBC sitcom, from it's inception in 1981 through to the final show in 2003.

Appearing on This Morning, 81-year-old David Jason opened up about the loss of his friend and fellow actor. He said: "It wasn’t a complete surprise because poor old John hadn’t been well for the last month or two."

David Jason and John Challis in Only Fools and Horses

David continued: "He went downhill so fast, very rapidly, that one minute we were thinking he was on the road to recovery and sadly it just took him.

"We’re still suffering a bit of shock, I’m afraid."

John's family confirmed the sad news of his passing in a statement on Sunday 19th September, saying he died peacefully in his sleep.

The statement, which was shared on social media, 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.’

David also mentioned the admiration he had for his friend John. He added: "It comes as a bit of a surprise sometimes that John Challis was such a kind and such an ordinary, lovable chap, totally different to the character Boycie that he played.

"It just showed the skill he had as an actor."

Famous faces we have lost in 2021:

Gerry Marsden

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Tanya Roberts

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Albert Roux

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Doris Hobday (Tipton Twins)

One of Britain's oldest twins, Doris Hobday, sadly passed away on the 5th January after a battle with COVID-19. Her family released a heartbreaking statement which revealed the sad news.

Mick Norcross

Former TOWIE star and owner of SugarHut nightclub Mick Norcross was found dead at his home on Thursday 21st January, at the age of 57.


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They said, "We were called to an address in Brentwood Road, Bulphan shortly before 3.15pm on Thursday 21 January.


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Dustin Diamond

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Captain Sir Tom Moore

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Christopher Plummer

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Mary Wilson

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Ronald Pickup

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Johnny Briggs

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Glenn Roeder

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Erica Watson

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Michael Gudinski

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Ian St John

Former Liverpool FC striker Ian St John passed away at the age of 82 at the start of March.


Paying tribute to their former player on social media, Liverpool FC wrote, 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of a true Anfield legend, Ian St John. The thoughts of everyone at Liverpool Football Club are with Ian's family and friends at this sad and difficult time. Rest in peace, Ian St John 1938-2021.' (sic)

Trevor Peacock

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Murray Walker OBE

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The British Racing Drivers' Club said in a statement, "It's with great sadness we share the news of the passing of BRDC Associate Member Murray Walker OBE.


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Sabine Schmitz

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Peter Lorimer

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George Segal

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Paul Ritter

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Lorna Brooke

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Jim Steinman

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Les McKeown

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Azaylia Cain

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Sarah Harding

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Michael K. Williams

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Erik Cowie

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Jimmy Greaves

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The Premier League club said in a statement: "We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of the great Jimmy Greaves, not just Tottenham's record goalscorer but the finest marksman this country has ever seen. Jimmy passed away at home in the early hours of this morning, aged 81."

John Challis

John Challis, best known for his role as Boycie in Only Fools and Horses, lost his battle with cancer in September, sadly passing away at the age of 79.

Sarah Dash

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Willie Garson

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Alan Lancaster

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Roger Hunt

England World Cup winner and Liverpool football legend Roger Hunt sadly died aged 83 following a long illness in September.

Deon Estus

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The sad news was announced on Twitter, with the message: 'It is with real sadness I post that Deon Estus passed away This Morning. Deon was mostly known as the third member of Wham! Deon was passionate about music and loved interacting with his loyal fans. #onlyloveisreal'. (sic)

James Michael Tyler

US actor James Michael Tyler, best known for playing Gunther in Friends, sadly died in October. A statement from his manager said: "Tyler passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday morning.
"If you met him once you made a friend for life. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Carno, the love of his life."

Herbie Herbert

Former Journey manager Herbie Herbert sadly died of natural causes at the age 73 in October, at his home in Orinda, California.

Lionel Blair

Showbiz legend Lionel Blair sadly passed away at the age of 92 in November, with his agent confirming the news. Tributes from the world of entertainment flooded in for the 'showbiz trooper'.

Terence Wilson/Astro

UB40 founder Terence Wilson, better known as Astro sadly passed away after a short illness at the age of 64 in November.

Dean Stockwell

Dean Stockwell, famous for playing Al in time-travelling sci-fi series Quantum Leap, died aged 85 on Sunday 7th November 2021. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully in his sleep of natural causes.

Stephen Sondheim

Musical icon Stephen Sondheim sadly passed away at the age of 91 in November. He wrote the scores of some of Broadway's best known shows including Company, Follies and A Little Night Music.

Sir Frank Williams

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Virgil Abloh

On 28th November the sad news was announced that American fashion designer and entrepreneur Virgil Abloh had passed away, two-years after his cancer diagnosis. Virgil was the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear collection, as well as the chief executive officer of Off-White. Tributes poured in for the designer from celebrities all over the world.

Michael Nesmith

On the 10th December 2021, Michael Nesmith, a singer, songwriter and guitarist from the Monkees, died at the age of 78.
A statement from his family announced said: "With infinite love we announce that Michael Nesmith has passed away this morning in his home, surrounded by family, peacefully and of natural causes,"
Born Robert Michael Nesmith on the 30th December 1942 in Texas, the musician was also a philanthropist, actor, businessman, novelist and producer.


He rose to fame with pop band the Monkees, before continuing a successful songwriting and performing career after they broke up in 1970. Just last month Michael finished touring with Micky Dolenz to commemorate 55 Years of Monkeemania.


They continued: "We ask that you respect our privacy at this time and we thank you for the love and light that all of you have shown him and us."

Ken Kragen

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BGT's David Watson

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"He was always up for a laugh and such a good sport on @bgt. We will miss him."

Carlos Marin

On 19th December, Il Divo singer Carlos Marin sadly died aged 53 in hospital. His former bandmates paid tribute to the singer, writing: 'He will be missed by his friends, family and fans. There wiIl never be another voice or spirit like Carlos.'

Sally Ann Howes

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang actress Sally Ann Howes, known for her role as Truly Scrumptious, sadly died in December aged 91. The actress starred in the film alongside Dick Van Dyke, and had an incredibly successful career spanning over six decades.

Janice Long

Radio presenter Janice Long sadly passed away at the age of 66 on 25th December. She presented on many radio stations across her career and was the first regular female presenter on Top Of The Pops, she was also a popular presenter on Greatest Hits Radio.


Janice's agent Nigel Forsyth said: "Janice was a wonderful warm human being and exceptional broadcaster. She told a brilliant story and always made you roar with laughter with her sharp wit."

Ray Illingworth

Former England cricket captain Ray Illingworth sadly died at the age of 89. His sad passing was confirmed on Christmas Day, with Yorkshire Cricket County writing: 'We are deeply saddened to learn that Ray Illingworth has passed away.


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Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Archbishop Desmond Tutu sadly passed away at the age of 90 on Boxing Day. The Queen, as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, all paid touching tributes to the man who tirelessly championed human rights in South Africa and across the world.

Tiffini Hale

Mickey Mouse Club star and actress Tiffini Hale died on Christmas Day 2021 aged 46. In a statement on Instagram, her co-stars Deedee Magno Hall, Chasen Hampton, Damon Pampolina and Albert 'Jeune' Fields said: 'It is with the heaviest of broken hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of our beloved sister, Tiffini Talia Hale.
'Early this month, she suffered a cardiac arrest that resulted in her being left in a coma. After many prayers and with her family by her side, our dearest Tiff took her last breath Christmas morning. She is now resting peacefully.'

Betty White

Hollywood legend and Golden Girls star Betty White sadly passed away from natural causes on New Years eve, aged 99. The actress died just weeks away from her 100th birthday.

Read more:

Only Fools and Horses star John Challis dies aged 79

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