John Challis' widow sells home that featured in Only Fools spin-off

The widow of Only Fools and Horses star John Challis has shared that she is selling their beloved family home, admitting that moving out is an "overwhelming" experience.

Challis was best known for his long-running role in the sitcom as Boycie, a dodgy-dealing used car salesman who often boasted about his wealth.

After Only Fools and Horses came to an end, Challis starred in a spin-off sitcom, The Green Green Grass, about Boycie and his family fleeing for a new life in the countryside after falling out with some Peckham criminals. The actor's own home was used for outside shots of Boycie's new country pile, but his widow Carol Challis has shared that she is now moving out.

She posted on X: "The time has come. Farewell old house, our home for the past 26 years. I’m leaving today for a different life down in Somerset and it’s all a bit overwhelming."

Challis passed away from cancer in September 2021, aged 79.

Carol also shared some photos of their idyllic home in her X post, including one of her late husband sitting in the garden looking out over the countryside.

One person commented: "The last photo is so poignant. You’ll keep those memories of your lives together in this house forever. I wish you all the best in your new home."

She was flooded with support, as someone else wrote: "A big decision, and a brave one. But John will be with you, wherever you go. And nobody can take away the memories you made together. I hope all goes well for you, sending love and a massive hug xx."

Another person added: "Carol I am sure John will be with you wherever you go. My husband once said to me a house is only a home because you are in it. Be happy there and keep your memories close."

One other comment read: "A beautiful place with so many memories, Carol. Together you made this lovely house into something special. I wish you all the best in this new chapter in your life. John will never leave your heart wherever you are. Somerset is gaining a treasure."

The beautiful home, which includes a timber-framed building, is set in stunning Herefordshire countryside near to Wigmore Abbey and is close to the village of Leintwardine.

When Challis passed away in 2021, his former co-star David Jason said: "One of the things I always measure an actor by is the difference between how they are in real life and the parts they play.

"It comes as a bit of surprise to people that John was such a kind and ordinary loveable chap, totally different to the character he played. A lot of people think that was John, but it wasn't. It just shows his skill as an actor. It was so different to his natural nature."

Read more:

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• Only Fools and Horses legend Sir David Jason to return to sitcom after 20 years (News Shopper, 2 min read)

• Only Fools and Horses fans are just realising Uncle Albert was ripped (Digital Spy, 2 min read)