John Challis always hoped he'd find a role in another show as successful as 'Only Fools and Horses'.
John Challis
The 78-year-old actor is best known for his portrayal of Aubrey 'Boycie' Boyce in the classic BBC sitcom and although he's worked steadily over the years, he admitted none of his other roles have had a similar impact.
He said of the show: "It becomes a benchmark. But you've got to continue earning a living so you do other stuff, hoping it will take off as well, but nothing has, really.
"You see the love everybody has for the show and our next convention is in October."
The show's enduring success came as a surprise to the cast because they initially didn't think it would run beyond one series, and John in particular wasn't sure he'd be asked back.
He told Metro newspaper: "I was delighted to do the one scene but nobody said I'd be back in the next series. "It had a bit of a sticky start because not that many people watched it.
"But there was a strike so the BBC repeated stuff and they put it out again on a different day and time. The figures shot up so they decided to try a second series and it just got more popular."
The show ended after a final Christmas special in 2003, but John and Sue Holderness, who played his on-screen wife Marlene, went on to feature in spin-off 'The Green Green Grass' from 2005 to 2009 and the pair are still in regular contact now.
Asked which cast members he stays in touch with, he said: “Sue Holderness, who played Marlene. We hit it off immediately.
"Paul Barber, who played Denzil is a chum and we ring each other. David [Jason] came to his first convention at the beginning of last year and millions turned up. He was delighted and quite surprised."
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