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Sue Holderness: It's hard to believe John Challis has gone

Sue Holderness finds it hard to believe that her late best friend John Challis has gone.

The 'Only Fools and Horses' legend admitted her co-star John - who passed away last month aged 79, following a lengthy battle with cancer - was "fine" when she saw him less than four weeks before he died.

Sue - who played John's on-screen wife Marlene Boyce in the BBC sitcom - said: "How lucky was I that John Challis became to be the other husband in my life? We were friends from the word go.

"Just five weeks ago we were having lunch together, and less than four weeks before he died John and I were filming together all day and he was fine. He was as much fun as usual, but he got a bit tired towards the end of the day.

"So the end came very quickly.

"I can honestly say I don't believe he's gone. I think he's watching us now, and we must talk about our loved ones who are no longer with us."

Sue admitted John - who played car dealer Boycie in 'Only Fools' - was "loved by so many people", as was the show's creator John Sullivan.

He passed away in April 2011 aged 64, and 'The Madame Blanc Mysteries' star Sue still cannot believe the screenwriter is dead either.

Speaking on 'Lorraine', she added: "John will be remembered forever and loved by so many people.

"I certainly don't believe he's gone and I don't really believe John Sullivan has gone and he died in 2011."

Several stars paid tribute to John following his passing last month, including Sir David Jason, who played Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter in the BBC sitcom.

He said: "It is with much sadness to hear that John Challis, a dear friend, has passed away.

"He was a wonderful actor, a gentleman in the true sense of the word and I know he will be missed by so many."

What's more, US rapper Ice-T paid a touching tribute to his "internet friend" John.

The hip-hop veteran wrote: "I just heard John passed away.. He somehow became a Twitter friend.

"I’m very sad. Although I never met him in person.. Internet friends can become close.. RIP. (sic)"

Sue Holderness credit:Bang Showbiz
Sue Holderness credit:Bang Showbiz