Only Fools and Horses' John Challis' widow reveals Christmas discovery at his grave

The widow of late Only Fools and Horses legend John Challis has opened up on an emotional moment she had at his graveside this Christmas.

The iconic Boycie actor passed away in 2021. His wife Carol married him in 1995 and was by his side until his death. This week Carol took to social media to reveal a heartwarming discovery at John's final resting place in Leintwardine, Herefordshire.

As the Mirror reports, his grave which reads his name, profession and the years 1942-2021, was sprinkled with festive decorations including a wreath, flowers and even a tiny Christmas tree.

An emotional Carol shared her feelings online, she wrote: "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 reflected on how the local community remembered her late husband, who lived at Wigmore Abbey - a renowned property that starred in the Only Fools spin-off The Green Green Grass - which was put on the market in 2023 for £1.5 million.

In another heart-tugging tweet, Carol remembered family members lost, saying: "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."

John passed away "peacefully in his sleep" following a battle with cancer, in September 2021, aged 79. His family issued a statement saying: "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.", reports the Express. They also assured that there would be a future event to celebrate John's life, where everyone would be welcome.

It was previously reported that John's health took a sudden decline before his death. Fellow co-star, Sir David Jason revealed on This Morning: "It wasn't a complete surprise because poor old John hadn't been well for the last month or two. But he went downhill so fast, very rapidly, that one minute we were thinking he was on the road to recovery and sadly it just took him."

John signed off all his assets and money 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. Following his death he requested that donations were made in his memory to chosen animal charities Cuan Wildlife Rescue, Tusk or the British Hedgehog Preservation Society.

His headstone features a subtle nod to the much-loved comedy show, as it reads: "John Challis - actor - 1942-2021, I am here." Fans will recognise the phrase from an episode of Only Fools – which sees psychic Elsie Partridge holding a séance which features Del Boy, Rodney Trotter and Boycie.

After allegedly making contact with an unknown man, Elsie says: "He wishes to speak to someone named Audrey... no, Aubrey." While the room remains silent, Boycie comments: "I am here," before explaining that his middle name is Aubrey. "You never said your name was Aubrey," said Trigger, before he adds: "Nor would you if your name was Aubrey."

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