The nephew of Only Fools and Horses star John Challis has died, the family have confirmed in a heartbreaking statement.
In the statement, they added that the man, Simon, 37, had died in Germany, and that when his things were returned to them, one of his belongings was missing.
The news was broken by the late Challis’ widow, Carol, who wrote on Twitter, aka X, that ‘Simon’s personal belongings were returned to us today from Germany, at last.
‘Sadly, his wristwatch was missing.’
She said it was ‘disappointing’ that ‘someone should feel the need to help themselves.’
Alongside the statement Carol shared a photograph of Challis, who died in 2021, with his nephew Simon in a grinning snap.
She added: ‘God bless these two, my much loved husband and his friend, my nephew Si.’
The family were met with an outpouring of love and support, with fans flocking to X to share their condolences.
‘That’s absolutely unbelievable … I’m sorry that happened,’ one person wrote.
‘Very sad to read that,’ another said, while one said it was ‘despicable,’ adding: ‘Thoughts are with you all.’
‘Sorry for your loss, tough times,’ another offered.
Simon died in July at the age of 37 while in Germany, with his body repatriated to the UK in August to lay him to rest.
He is the son of Carol’s brother Johnny, and a nephew of Challis’ by marriage.
Carol often shared sweet messages about her nephew to Twitter, revealing he was a keen surfer and a doting uncle to his sister Laura’s baby girl Alice.
In July, following Simons’ death, she wrote that she hoped he and Challis were ‘somewhere up there playing their guitars, downing a cold beer.’
His death comes two years after beloved actor Challis died from cancer at the age of 79.
A statement from his family at the time announced the news ‘with heavy hearts,’ saying: ‘Our dear friend and yours, John Challis, has died peacefully in his sleep, after a long battle with cancer.
‘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.
‘Please respect the privacy of John’s family and friends at this difficult time, and be assured that in the future there will be an occasion to celebrate John’s life – when everyone will be welcome to come along.’
Challis starred as Boycie in Only Fools And Horses alongside Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst for 22 years before going on to star in the spin-off The Green Green Grass.
He also portrayed Monty Staines from the seventh series onwards in the ITV sitcom Benidorm from 2015 to 2018.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Source: Read Full Article