Only Fools and Horses star John Challis proves to be a hit with fans in Basingstoke (From This is Hampshire)

Only Fools and Horses star John Challis proves to be a hit with fans in Basingstoke

5:31pm Sunday 24th February 2013 in News By Emily Roberts, Chief Reporter

DOZENS of fans queued up to meet Only Fools and Horses legend John Challis in Basingstoke’s Waterstones.

The television star is best known for his character Boycie in the popular British sitcom – appearing in 33 episodes of the comedy.

His latest book, Boycie and Beyond, follows on from his first autobiography Being Boycie, released last year, which described his life as a young actor.

The second instalment takes readers to the height of his success in Only Fools and Horses, and is full of anecdotes about working alongside actors David Jason (Del Boy) and Nicholas Lyndhurst (Rodney).

Accompanied by his fourth wife, Carol, the 70-year-old happily chatted to fans waiting patiently inside the Festival Place store for him to sign their copy of the book.

First in the queue was 64-year-old Susan Randall, a mother-of-two from South Ham, Basingstoke, who said: “I’ve watched him in Only Fools and Horses and thought it would be nice to meet him. He was lovely.”

John, who has self-published his books, told The Gazette: “People want to know what it’s like living with the character who’s become iconic. Every day people say ‘I love the show’ and tell me how much it means to them and has helped them.

“This character of Boycie follows me around. It’s interesting for people to see the real person. I have been through ups and downs like anyone else.”

The actor said he is now focusing on writing a novel, but he still performs on stage.

He added: “I really enjoy coming and meeting people, because you have a personal connection with the people who have put you where you are.”