Only Fools and Horses' John Challis' widow makes heartbreaking discovery at his grave

Carol Challis, the widow of Only Fools and Horses star John Challis, has shared a heartbreaking discovery she made at her late husband's grave over the Christmas period

The widow of Only Fools and Horses star, John Challis, has shared an emotional moment she experienced at his graveside this Christmas.

Carol, who married the iconic Boycie actor in 1995 and was by his side until he passed away in 2021, took to her social media to reveal a touching discovery at the cemetery in Leintwardine, Herefordshire where John was laid to rest. His grave, which commemorates him with his name, profession, and the years 1942-2021, was adorned with festive decorations including a wreath, flowers, and even a tiny Christmas tree.

An emotional Carol expressed her feelings online: "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.

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 reported that his health deteriorated rapidly before his death, with Sir David Jason revealing 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 passed away in September 2021 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.

Following his death, 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.

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 seance 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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