John Challis: Road to be named in memory of Only Fools and Horses star but it probably isn’t where you think
The death of Only Fools and Horses actor John Challis at the weekend prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans around the world.
The star, 79, famous for playing series favourite Boycie on one of the UK’s best-loved comedies died on Sunday following a battle with cancer.
It has now been announced that a road will be named in his memory, but it probably isn’t where you think.
Unbeknownst to many here in the UK, Only Fools and Horses was also a cultural phenomenon in Serbia.
The show, known as “Dodgy Dealings” still airs on Serbian television today and has a big following.
After the actor’s death, there was a huge outpouring of tributes from fans in the country.
Deputy Mayor of Belgrade, Goran Vesic, also announced a road will be named in honour of the actor.
“It’s the only way to repay a man who loved our country and loved our city,” he said.
The love was not one way and it seems the actor had a strong affection for the country and visited many times, including just last year while making the documentary, Boycie in Belgrade.
The film showed an enormous crowd greeting him at a book-signing session and the actor even received honorary Serbian citizenship shortly before he died.
It’s thought a street name in Serbia’s capital will serve as a permanent reminder of the well-loved character, although the precise location has yet to be identified.
The long-running BBC sitcom has proved a surprise hit with Serbians and the show, which is subtitled rather than dubbed, means that well-known phrases are often repeated.
It’s also thought that the setting of the show (in a Peckham tower block and its surrounding area) has struck a chord with the Serbs who think it bears a resemblance to some parts of Belgrade.
But the show’s popularity in the country has come as a surprise to some of the show’s other actors.
When actor Nicholas Lyndhurst, who played Rodney Trotter, visited Montenegro he said that he “felt like the Queen” commenting on the VIP treatment he received.
“People outside the restaurants and bars stood up and started to applaud,” he said.
Although it’s thought the actor who played Boycie forged perhaps the strongest ties of any of the cast with the country.
