Only Fools and Horses star's widow makes heartbreaking discovery at grave

The widow of Only Fools and Horses star John Challis made an emotional discovery at his grave this Christmas. Carol tied the knot with John, best known for playing Boycie, in 1995.

The coupel remained together until his death at the age of 79 in 2021. She recently took to social media to share a discovery she made during when she visited a cemetery in Leintwardine, Herefordshire.

John’s grave bears his name and profession, along with the dates 1942-2021. She was shocked to find it had been decorated with a festive wreath and flowers, including a tiny Christmas tree.

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Carol wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "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."

Wigmore Abbey was John’s home, Express reports. It also featured in Only Fools spin-off Green Green Grass, which followed Boycie’s family life after leaving London.

The Grade-I listed property featured seven bedrooms and was listed for sale for £1.5million in 2023. In another post on X, Carol paid tribute to her lost family members.

She said: "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 died 'peacefully in his sleep' after battling cancer. His family released a statement at the time which read: "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.

"Be assured that in the future there will be an occasion to celebrate John's life - when everyone will be welcome to come along."

It was reported at the time that his health 'went downhill quickly' before his death. Sir David Jason told ITV 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."