Only Fools and Horses star John Challis’ widow Carol Challis has decided to move out of her home she shared with her late husband.
Challis was best known for his portrayal of the secondhand car dealer Boycie in the BBC sitcom alongside David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst and died peacefully in his sleep after a long battle with cancer.
His widow revealed yesterday that she had sold their home they lived in for most of their marriage and was moving to Somerset for something “different”.
She wrote on her X account: “The time has come. Farewell old house, our home for the past 26 years. I’m leaving today for a different life down in Somerset and it’s all a bit overwhelming.”
Fans of Challis and their relationship flooded the comments with support as one X user commented: “Take all of those wonderful memories with you. Wishing you all the best and sending lots of love.”
“The last photo is so poignant. You’ll keep those memories of your lives together in this house forever. I wish you all the best in your new home,” a second added.
The time has come.Farewell old house,our home for the past 26 years.I’m leaving today for a different life down in Somerset and it’s all a bit overwhelming. pic.twitter.com/l9U2X5vGBT
— Carol Challis (@BeingBoycie) February 26, 2024
“He would be proud of you!” a third simply stated before a another expressed: “Oh my goodness Carol that must be overwhelming.
“I recently left my house of 14 years & it was tough, but nothing compared to you. I hope that your move goes well & that you can make some more happy memories in your new life down in Somerset.”
Another wrote: “A big decision, and a brave one. But John will be with you, wherever you go. And nobody can take away the memories you made together. I hope all goes well for you, sending love and a massive hug.”
“Carol I am sure John will be with you wherever you go. My husband once said to me a house is only a home because you are in it. Be happy there and keep your memories close,” one supportive fan said.
John Challis played Boycie in the hit BBC series
BBC
“All the very best for the next phase of your life … keep the happy memories,” another advised. (sic)
The country mansion went on sale for £1.5 million in April 2023 and comes with a complete host of impressive Grade 1 listed features.
These include seven bedrooms, a library, stables, paddocks, extensive outbuildings and more than five acres of land.
Their house – situated in Herefordshire – was bought by Challis back in 1998 and was used for the set of the popular spin off show The Green, Green Grass, which followed Boycie’s move from London to the countryside.
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Carol Challis has moved out of the home she shared with husband John
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Speaking about buying the spectacular home, Challis previously said: “We knew already that it was far too much to take on, too far from London, too old, too dilapidated, but somehow, it seemed we were being pulled towards it by an unknown force.
"We drove straight to Hereford, found the agents and made an appointment. The next morning we turned up at the house, this time driving down the gloomy drive with an entirely new sense of adventure as if we'd set out on a journey into the unknown."