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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Zoe Delaney

Only Fools and Horses 'Boycie' icon John Challis left £469,000 fortune to his wife

Only Fools and Horses legend John Challis left his £469,00 fortune to his surviving wife.

The late star passed away in September last year at the age of 79, with his loved ones saying at the time the Boycie actor died "peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer" and asking that donations in his memory be made to his chosen animal charities Cuan Wildlife Rescue, Tusk or the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

Just over a year on from his death, it's been reported that the icon's will revealed his wishes for his assets and money to be gifted to his fourth wife Carol, who he tied the knot with in 1995. John was previously married to first wife Carol Robertson and actresses Debbie Arnold and Sabina Franklyn. The late actor had no children.

John Challis passed away just over one year ago (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images for Neil Reading PR)
He was much-loved for his Only Fools and Horses role (BBC)

The Sun reports probate figure show John left a gross estate of £497,000 and after his affairs were settled, the remainder went to fourth wife Carol.

John best known for playing Terrance 'Boycie' Boyce in the classic British sitcom Only Fools and Horses alongside David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst. He reprised his comedic role for the show's spin-off, The Green Green Grass and also enjoyed stint on Benidorm, My Family and Open All Hours.

Sharing the news John had passed away on September 19 2021, the late star's loved ones said in a statement: "It is with heavy hearts that we bring you such sad news.

John and Carol were married for 26 years up to his death last year (Clarie O'Boyle / Daily mirror)
Many celebrities paid tribute to the late actor as his death was announced (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

"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."

The statement went on to add that donations in his memory could be made to his chosen animal charities Cuan Wildlife Rescue, Tusk or the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

The late star alongside his co-star David Jason as Delboy Trotter (BBC)

Concluding, John's grieving loved ones signed off saying: "As Boycie would have said… you know it makes sense!"

Among the tributes from fans and famous co-stars, American rapper Ice-T mourned the passing of his 'close internet friend', following the two stars striking up an unlikely online friendship thanks to exchanging messages on Twitter.

"I just heard John passed away.. He somehow became a Twitter friend.. I’m very sad. Although I never met him in person.. Internet friends can become close.. RIP," the musician captioned a clip of John drumming to Motörhead‘s classic hit Ace Of Spades as he paid tribute to the star on Twitter.

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