In a moving revelation that has touched fans across the nation, Sue Holderness has opened up about her heartbreaking final exchange with John Challis, her beloved Only Fools and Horses co-star, just days before his passing.
The actress, best known for playing Marlene Boyce opposite Challis's iconic character Boycie, shared the poignant details during an emotional interview, describing how the 79-year-old actor remained characteristically witty until the very end.
The Final Goodbye
'I spoke to him four days before he died,' Holderness revealed, her voice filled with emotion. 'He was being very, very funny, and I said to him, 'Oh, stop making me laugh, I can't bear it.''
Those words would become their final exchange, with Challis passing away from cancer in September 2021 after a courageous battle with the illness. The two actors had shared one of television's most beloved on-screen relationships, creating chemistry that resonated with millions of viewers.
A Friendship Forged in Comedy
Their partnership spanned decades, beginning with their first appearance together in the legendary BBC sitcom and continuing through the spin-off series The Green Green Grass. Holderness described their connection as something truly special, both on and off screen.
'We just adored each other,' she confessed, highlighting the deep bond that developed between them over years of working together. The actress has previously spoken about the profound impact Challis's death had on her, describing how she still finds herself reaching for the phone to share jokes with him.
Remembering a Comedy Legend
John Challis's portrayal of the used car salesman Terence Aubrey 'Boycie' Boyce became one of British television's most memorable characters. His distinctive laugh and impeccable comic timing made him a fan favourite throughout the show's original run from 1981 to 1991 and during numerous specials that followed.
Holderness's revelation comes as fans continue to mourn the loss of the beloved actor, whose legacy lives on through endless reruns of the classic comedy that still brings joy to new generations of viewers.
The emotional account serves as a touching tribute to both the actor and the enduring friendship that defined their relationship, proving that some connections truly do last beyond the final curtain call.
