Only Fools And Horses actor John Challis dies aged 79
John Challis, who played Boycie in Only Fools And Horses, has died at the age of 79.
His family said in a statement that he died “peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer”.
The actor, who was born in Bristol in 1942, had an extensive television career but was best known for playing unscrupulous second-hand car dealer Terrance Aubrey “Boycie” Boyce in the long-running beloved BBC sitcom.
“It is with heavy hearts that we bring you such sad news,” the family statement read.
“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.”
His family said donations in his memory can be made to his chosen animal charities Cuan Wildlife Rescue, Tusk or the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.
“As Boycie would have said… you know it makes sense!” their statement added.
Actress Sue Holderness who played Marlene and actor John Challis who played Boycie in Only Fools and Horses
Challis was in his late 30s when he landed the role of Boycie, with the part initially just for one scene before his character became more prominent in the series.
Boycie was married to the feisty Marlene – played by Sue Holderness – and their marriage became a running joke, with repeated gags about her supposed promiscuity.
Challis also starred in its spin-off The Green Green Grass from 2005 to 2009 and the ITV sitcom Benidorm from the seventh series onwards.
Earlier this month, he cancelled a 30-date speaking tour after only one appearance due to ill health.
The actor recently became an honorary citizen of Serbia, where Only Fools remains hugely popular.
He also made the documentary Boycie In Belgrade, which explored why the show was so beloved in the Balkan country.
His earlier roles included gangster drama Big Breadwinner Hog in 1969, as well as a recurring role on Z-Cars as Sergeant Culshaw between 1971 and 1975.
Tributes have been pouring in since the news of his death emerged, with Sue Holderness, who played Boycie’s wife, describing him as a “beloved friend”.
She said in a statement: “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.”
The Three Degrees singer Sheila Ferguson tweeted: “I’ve been waiting for this for a few days now.
“It is with great sadness that I tell you that my dear friend, John Challis (Boycie from OFAH) has just passed.
“I’ve been in touch with his wife, Carol, who is obviously heartbroken, as am I. Much love, S.”
One Only Fools fan tweeted: “Absolutely gutted to hear of the passing of John Challis (Boycie from OFAH) Massive part of so many people’s childhoods”.
Allo Allo star Vicki Michelle said: “Shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Wonderful John Challis such a fabulous man. Loved by the Nation. Condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Crissy Rock, who starred alongside Challis in Benirdorm, tweeted: “I am heartbroken to hear the news that the legendary actor @BeingBoycie has sadly passed away. John you were a true gentleman and always so loving and supportive towards me. I am thinking of your family and close friends at this hard time. Rest well. Crissy xx.”
The Jolly Boys Podcast said: “We are absolutely devastated by the passing of our lovely friend, John Challis. Our hearts go out to his family & friends at this difficult time We love you, John. Sleep well”.
Thousands of members of actors’ trade union Equity are being asked whether they would support industrial action over artificial intelligence protections.
The organisation has launched an indicative ballot among about 7,000 members working in film and TV.
Performers are being asked whether they are prepared to refuse to be digitally scanned on set in order to secure adequate artificial intelligence protections.
It will be the first time the performing arts and entertainment trade union has asked this whole section of its membership to vote in a ballot.
The Hollywood strikes took place in 2023. File pic: AP
The announcement follows the Hollywood strikes in 2023, when members of Equity’s sister union in the US, SAG-AFTRA, and writers, went on strike over issues including AI.
Video game actors in the US also protested over the use of AI, ending almost a year of industrial action earlier in 2025.
Equity’s ballot opens on Thursday and runs for two weeks, and will show the level of support the union has for action short of a strike.
Another statutory ballot would have to be made before any industrial action is taken.
“While tech companies get away with stealing artists’ likeness or work, and the government and decision makers fret over whether to act, unions including Equity are at the forefront of the fight to ensure working people are protected from artificial intelligence misuse,” Equity general secretary Paul W Fleming said in a statement.
“If bosses can’t ensure someone’s likeness and work won’t be used without their consent, why should performers consent to be digitally scanned in the first place?”
Mr Fleming said the ballot would give members the opportunity to “send a clear message to the industry: that it is a basic right of performers to have autonomy over their own personhood and identity”.
The union has no choice but to recommend members support industrial action, he said.
“It’s time for the bosses to step away from the brink and offer us a package, including on AI protections, which respects our members,” added Mr Fleming.
The hotly anticipated Spotify Wrapped is revealing our top tracks, artists and albums for 2025.
But how does the streaming service calculate personalised summaries of users’ listening habits and rank the UK’s hottest artists?
Here’s a look at how your data is used.
The platform describes the annual statistics as “a chance to look back on your year in sound”.
It says data is captured between January and mid-November on every account, although it mostly excludes anything streamed in private mode. (Don’t worry, your passion for the Spice Girls can be kept secret.)
Wrapped presents personalised listening statistics, which Spotify calls the “real story of your year of listening”, alongside global figures for comparison.
The streaming service says Minutes Listened reflects the actual time spent listening to audio on the platform.
Once a user streams at least 30 tracks, Spotify generates a list of Your Top Songs. Similarly, Your Top Artists ranks artists based on total minutes listening to a particular performer.
Other metrics identify the top genres users have played, as well as podcasts and audiobooks ranked by total minutes listened. And if you’ve listened to at least 70% of tracks on a record, you’ll see top albums too.
Spotify also creates Your Listening Age, a guesstimate of your age based on the era of the music “you feel most connected to”.
The streaming service says the statistic is calculated using a five-year span of music which users engaged with more than other listeners of a similar age.
Spotify has been summing up 2025’s most listened to tracks. Pic: Spotify
Swift vs Bunny
Pop superstar Taylor Swift has been named the UK’s most-streamed artist on Spotify for the third year in a row.
But she dropped out of the top spot in the global rankings, coming second to Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny, who secured more than 19.8 billion streams. Third were The Weeknd, followed by Drake and Billie Eilish.
Bad Bunny’s LP Debi Tirar Mas Fotos was the most listened-to album worldwide.
Read more from Sky News:
Sabrina Carpenter fury at video
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Spotify revealed Drake was the UK’s second most-listened to artist, followed by Sabrina Carpenter in third, The Weeknd in fourth and Billie Eilish in fifth.
Despite being the most listened-to artist, Swift failed to break into the UK’s top five most listened-to songs and albums of the year.
Alex Warren’s Ordinary was the most-streamed song, and Short ‘N’ Sweet, released by Carpenter last year, the top album.
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