Only Fools star, 79, cancels live tour

Only Fools And Horses star John Challis has been secretly living with cancer for two years, it has been revealed, as the actor cancelled his live tour.

The 79-year-old, who played Boycie, had been due to undertake 30 ‘audience with’ shows around the UK.

But after the first –  in Stourport, Worcestershire, on Friday – he cancelled the rest of the dates  over health concerns.

A statement from the promoters said: ‘Due to ill health, John’s tour is cancelled with immediate effect.

‘John received a cancer diagnosis two years [ago] and is not fit to perform.  John is not fit to perform. He completed the first show of his present tour, intending to continue.

‘However, he has been advised to cancel further engagements.’

Challis was recently offered honorary citizenship of Serbia, where Only Fools remains a huge hit, as described in his documentary, Boycie In Belgrade, which is available on Amazon Prime.

The city’s deputy mayor Goran Vesic said: ‘Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said to me she would give the passport to him personally when he comes to Belgrade.'

Challis told the Mirror: 'I was just flabbergasted. It's the greatest thing that's ever happened to me really.’

Tomorrow marks 40 years to the day since the first episode of Only Fools And Horses aired.

Published: 7 Sep 2021