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Only Fools And Horses star Sue Holderness, 72, cut a solemn figure as she was spotted for the first time since the death of her on-screen husband John Challis.
It was announced last week that John had died ‘peacefully in his sleep’ after a long battle with cancer aged 79, and following his passing his on-screen wife Sue, who was seen in Windsor on Tuesday, honoured her ‘beloved friend’.
John was best-known for his portrayal of second-hand car dealer Boycie – a cigar-smoking businessman with a mocking laugh who butted heads with Del Boy – while Sue played his wife Marlene in the beloved British sitcom.
Heartache: Only Fools And Horses star Sue Holderness, 72, cut a solemn figure as she was spotted for the first time since the death of her on-screen husband John Challis
Sue was immersed in a phone call during her outing on Tuesday, as she stepped out shortly before sharing a Just Giving fundraising page on Twitter to raise money for ‘John’s Legacy’ in aid of a host of animal charities.
Last week, when the news was announced, Sue paid tribute her ‘beloved friend’, writing: ‘Marlene without Boycie – it’s unthinkable…
‘John Challis was my partner on screen and stage for 36 years and my beloved friend. R.I.P. darling John. I will miss you every day.’
Before Sue’s tribute, Sir David Jason described John as ‘a gentleman in the true sense of the word’ as he led tributes to the actor following his death.
Sweet: It was announced last week that John had died ‘peacefully in his sleep’ after a long battle with cancer aged 79, and following his passing his on-screen wife Sue, who was seen in Windsor on Tuesday, honoured her ‘beloved friend’ (Sue and John, pictured in 2019)
Out and about: Sue played his wife Marlene in the beloved British sitcom
An honour: She stepped out shortly before sharing a Just Giving fundraising page on Twitter to raise money for ‘John’s Legacy’ in aid of a host of animal charities
Sir David, who played Derek ‘Del Boy’ Trotter on the show, called him a ‘dear friend’ and ‘wonderful actor’ and said he was pleased the star had witnessed the 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.’
He added: ‘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 to his wife, Carol.’
Sad times: John was best-known for his portrayal of second-hand car dealer Boycie – a cigar-smoking businessman with a mocking laugh who butted heads with Del Boy (pictured in 2002)
Out and about: Sue was immersed in a phone call during her outing on Tuesday
John cancelled a 30-date speaking tour earlier this month after only one appearance due to ill health.
The TV star recently became an honorary citizen of Serbia, where the BBC sitcom remains hugely popular. Challis made the documentary Boycie In Belgrade, exploring why the show was so beloved in the Balkan country.
He was also known for playing Monty Staines in ITV’s Benidorm.
Challis was born in Bristol but when he was one, the family moved to London. He attended the state boarding Ottershaw School near Woking, Surrey – and upon leaving school he worked as a trainee estate agent before becoming an actor.
Heartache: Last week, when the news was announced, Sue paid tribute her ‘beloved friend’, writing: ‘Marlene without Boycie – it’s unthinkable’
Challis was granted honorary citizenship in Serbia for his portrayal of Boycie in the much-loved British comedy series alongside Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst (pictured on Only Fools And Horses in 2001)
In a statement, Challis’ 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.’
Casual: She was looked downcast following her friend’s passing
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