Only Fools and Horses star John Challis’ widow left weeping after discovery at grave-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

Carol Challis was left in tears after seeing John Challis’ grave (Picture: Getty)

John Challis’ grave has been given a festive touch for Christmas, which left his widower Carol Challis feeling emotional.

The Only Fools and Horses actor died in 2021 aged 79, and was survived by Carol, whom he married in 1995.

Over the festive season, those who loved him have taken time to visit his grave and after seeing the sweet gesture that had been left at the cemetery in Leintwardine, Herefordshire, Carol was touched.

‘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,’ she wrote on X.

Alongside her words, Carol shared a picture which showed exactly what had left her in tears.

Challis’ tombstone, which has his profession and the dates 1942 – 2021 inscribed onto it, had been adorned with items associated with the holiday. A Christmas wreath, tree, and flowers, were all left by residents of Wigmore Abbey – the place that the couple lived before his death.

Challis died in 2021 (Picture: X / Carol Challis)

Challis starred in Only Fools And Horses alongside Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst for 22 years as second-hand car dealer Boycie before going on to star in the spin-off The Green Green Grass. Besides his role in Only Fools And Horses, Challis also portrayed Monty Staines from the seventh series onwards in the ITV sitcom Benidorm from 2015 to 2018.

In September 2021, his family released a statement which 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.’

John Challis played Boycie for 22 years (Picture: Jon Furniss/WireImage)

Carol has shared with her followers how much Challis has been on her mind during the festive season: ‘Especially over Christmas, my thoughts have been with my much loved and missed mother Libby, father Denis, nephew Simon and my darling husband.

‘All gone. All those memories.’

She also posted a photo of Challis sat in front of a Christmas tree and wrote: ‘Wish you were here, Challis. ‘night all.’

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