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Powys County Times
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Shropshire border Only Fools and Horses star unsure of role
An Only Fools and Horses legend nearly turned down an iconic role in the sitcom. The late John Challis, who played second-hand car salesman "Boycie", wasn't that keen in taking part in the show after being offered just four lines for the pilot episode. However, his then partner Debbie Arnold, revealed that she persuaded him to take up the role. Speaking in Best's podcast series Suddenly Single, Debbie spoke about her relationship with the flamboyant actor. The 69-year-old told hosts Tim Vincent and Siobhan Wykes: 'I was the person who made John do Only Fools and Horses. "He did a series called Citizen Smith and he played almost Boycie in that and Johnny Sullivan [the writer] said, 'I'm going to write that character into something'. "John got the script and said 'it's only four f****ing lines, I can't do this darling'. "I said look, how much is it? He said £400. I said do it. He said, 'all right then'. That was the pilot.' Top 10 Best British TV Series John sadly passed away in September 2021, aged 79, after battling cancer. He lived in Wigmore Abbey on the Shropshire border. The character of Boycie became a firm fan favourite in Only Fools and Horses, known for his friendly rivalry with Del and Rodney while enjoying a large cognac at the Nag's Head. The sitcom, written by John Sullivan, saw seven series run on BBC One between 1981 and 1991, and 16 Christmas specials aired until the end of the show in 2003. John was married to Debbie from 1981 to 1985. During the podcast, Debbie went on to say how she 'just adored' John, and despite it not being love at first sight; she was attracted to his humour. Debbie is also known for her appearances on screen in Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks.
The Irish Sun
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Only Fools and Horses legend nearly turned down iconic role over four lines and £400
A ONLY Fools and Horses legend has revealed they almost turned down their iconic role for four lines and £400. The hit sitcom, which is still adored decades on and watched by a whole new audience, aired on the BBC for seven series. 3 An Only Fools and Horses icon almost turned down his iconic role in the hit show Credit: BBC 3 John Challis played fan-favourite Boycie in the hit BBC sitcom Credit: Rex 3 Debbie Arnold married John Challis in 1981 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd But over 20 years on from its final ever episode, it's now been revealed how one star almost turned down their iconic role in Only Fools and Horses. Local second-hand car salesman Herman Terrance Aubrey "Boycie" Boyce was a firm fan-favourite in the show and was played by the late His antagonistic relationship with Del Boy and Rodney Trotter often saw him in the Nag's Head swigging cognac. However, in a new interview, his ex-wife more on only fools and horses Debbie told "He did a series called Citizen Smith and he played almost Boycie in that and Johnny Sullivan [the writer] said, 'I'm going to write that character into something'. "John got the script and said 'it's only four f****ing lines, I can't do this darling'. "I said look, how much is it? He said £400. I said do it. He said, all right then. That was the pilot.' Most read in News TV John Only Fool and Horses legend David Jason breaks silence on 'feud' rumours with co-star Nicholas Lyndhurst on Great Christmas Moments Probate figure show he left a gross estate of £497,000 with his fourth wife Carol receiving the remaining balance after his affairs were settled. Debbie, who was married to John for just four years, is a well-known face in soap. She played Sylvie Hicks and Carole Evans on Coronation Street, Debbie Wilson in Emmerdale and Janice Bolton in Hollyoaks. Only Fools and Horses' most memorable episodes The beloved sitcom only aired for seven series but is still adored to this date - here are fans' most memorable scenes from the BBC hit... Jolly Boys' Outing - The humorous episode was filled with disaster and also romance. It saw Del Boy, Rodney and Grandad leave Peckham for a day trip to Margate. However, their coach explodes, Rodney is arrested and Del Boy reunites with Raquel. Time on their Hands - The episode sees the Trotters reflect on their life in South London after finally becoming millionaires. Airing in 1996, it pulled in an incredible 24million viewers. A Touch of Glass - This unforgettable episode sees Del Boy and his chandelier cleaning service. In hilarious scenes, he and Rodney accidentally drop a chandelier, sending it crashing to the floor. Stage Fright - Raquel performs with Tony Angelino while pregnant to perform a duet - but she's unaware he has a speech impediment. Yuppy Love - Derek attempts to transform himself into a high-flyer, wearing a stripped shirt and red braces. It also sees Del fall through the bar, while Rodney meets Cassandra for the first time. Mother Nature's Son - Del Boy inherits an allotment from his grandad, but it's contaminated by a yellow substance. The Peckham Spring Water business is then born - but it's actually just tap water from Nelson Mandela House. Heroes and Villains - Del Boy and Rodney dress up as Batman and Robin for Harry Malcolm's party. However, Boycie forgot to mention Harry died, and it had become a wake! To Hull and Back - Del Boy is convinced to smuggle diamonds from The Netherlands. PC Roy Slater intercepts them before he's later arrested for corruption. It ends with Del throwing his £15k over the balcony thinking it was fake - when it was in fact real! The Russians are Coming - The threat of nuclear war looms over Peckham so the Trotters decide to batten down the hatches. They build a DIY war shelter - on the top of Mandela House. The Unlucky Winner Is - Rodney wins a holiday abroad after Del Boy entered him into a painting competition. However, when he lands in Spain Rodney discovers it's a prize for children and must pretend he's a 14-year-old child.
Scottish Sun
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Only Fools and Horses legend nearly turned down iconic role over four lines and £400
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A ONLY Fools and Horses legend has revealed they almost turned down their iconic role for four lines and £400. The hit sitcom, which is still adored decades on and watched by a whole new audience, aired on the BBC for seven series. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 An Only Fools and Horses icon almost turned down his iconic role in the hit show Credit: BBC 3 John Challis played fan-favourite Boycie in the hit BBC sitcom Credit: Rex 3 Debbie Arnold married John Challis in 1981 Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd But over 20 years on from its final ever episode, it's now been revealed how one star almost turned down their iconic role in Only Fools and Horses. Local second-hand car salesman Herman Terrance Aubrey "Boycie" Boyce was a firm fan-favourite in the show and was played by the late John Challis. His antagonistic relationship with Del Boy and Rodney Trotter often saw him in the Nag's Head swigging cognac. However, in a new interview, his ex-wife Debbie Arnold has revealed she convinced him to sign up to the show - after he was originally given just four lines. Debbie told Best's Suddenly Single podcast: 'I was the person who made John do Only Fools and Horses. "He did a series called Citizen Smith and he played almost Boycie in that and Johnny Sullivan [the writer] said, 'I'm going to write that character into something'. "John got the script and said 'it's only four f****ing lines, I can't do this darling'. "I said look, how much is it? He said £400. I said do it. He said, all right then. That was the pilot.' John died aged 79 in September 2021 after battling cancer. Only Fool and Horses legend David Jason breaks silence on 'feud' rumours with co-star Nicholas Lyndhurst on Great Christmas Moments Probate figure show he left a gross estate of £497,000 with his fourth wife Carol receiving the remaining balance after his affairs were settled. Debbie, who was married to John for just four years, is a well-known face in soap. She played Sylvie Hicks and Carole Evans on Coronation Street, Debbie Wilson in Emmerdale and Janice Bolton in Hollyoaks.
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Only Fools and Horses legend nearly turned down iconic role over four lines and £400
A ONLY Fools and Horses legend has revealed they almost turned down their iconic role for four lines and £400. The hit sitcom, which is still adored decades on and watched by a whole new audience, aired on the BBC for seven series. 3 3 3 But over 20 years on from its final ever episode, it's now been revealed how one star almost turned down their iconic role in Only Fools and Horses. Local second-hand car salesman Herman Terrance Aubrey "Boycie" Boyce was a firm fan-favourite in the show and was played by the late John Challis. His antagonistic relationship with Del Boy and Rodney Trotter often saw him in the Nag's Head swigging cognac. However, in a new interview, his ex-wife Debbie Arnold has revealed she convinced him to sign up to the show - after he was originally given just four lines. Debbie told Best's Suddenly Single podcast: 'I was the person who made John do Only Fools and Horses. "He did a series called Citizen Smith and he played almost Boycie in that and Johnny Sullivan [the writer] said, 'I'm going to write that character into something'. "John got the script and said 'it's only four f****ing lines, I can't do this darling'. "I said look, how much is it? He said £400. I said do it. He said, all right then. That was the pilot.' John died aged 79 in September 2021 after battling cancer. Only Fool and Horses legend David Jason breaks silence on 'feud' rumours with co-star Nicholas Lyndhurst on Great Christmas Moments Probate figure show he left a gross estate of £497,000 with his fourth wife Carol receiving the remaining balance after his affairs were settled. Debbie, who was married to John for just four years, is a well-known face in soap. She played Sylvie Hicks and Carole Evans on Coronation Street, Debbie Wilson in Emmerdale and Janice Bolton in Hollyoaks. Only Fools and Horses' most memorable episodes The beloved sitcom only aired for seven series but is still adored to this date - here are fans' most memorable scenes from the BBC hit... Jolly Boys' Outing - The humorous episode was filled with disaster and also romance. It saw Del Boy, Rodney and Grandad leave Peckham for a day trip to Margate. However, their coach explodes, Rodney is arrested and Del Boy reunites with Raquel. Time on their Hands - The episode sees the Trotters reflect on their life in South London after finally becoming millionaires. Airing in 1996, it pulled in an incredible 24million viewers. A Touch of Glass - This unforgettable episode sees Del Boy and his chandelier cleaning service. In hilarious scenes, he and Rodney accidentally drop a chandelier, sending it crashing to the floor. Stage Fright - Raquel performs with Tony Angelino while pregnant to perform a duet - but she's unaware he has a speech impediment. Yuppy Love - Derek attempts to transform himself into a high-flyer, wearing a stripped shirt and red braces. It also sees Del fall through the bar, while Rodney meets Cassandra for the first time. Mother Nature's Son - Del Boy inherits an allotment from his grandad, but it's contaminated by a yellow substance. The Peckham Spring Water business is then born - but it's actually just tap water from Nelson Mandela House. Heroes and Villains - Del Boy and Rodney dress up as Batman and Robin for Harry Malcolm's party. However, Boycie forgot to mention Harry died, and it had become a wake! To Hull and Back - Del Boy is convinced to smuggle diamonds from The Netherlands. PC Roy Slater intercepts them before he's later arrested for corruption. It ends with Del throwing his £15k over the balcony thinking it was fake - when it was in fact real! The Russians are Coming - The threat of nuclear war looms over Peckham so the Trotters decide to batten down the hatches. They build a DIY war shelter - on the top of Mandela House. The Unlucky Winner Is - Rodney wins a holiday abroad after Del Boy entered him into a painting competition. However, when he lands in Spain Rodney discovers it's a prize for children and must pretend he's a 14-year-old child.
The Guardian
16-02-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Wages for Housework by Emily Callaci review – dust off those protest banners
In the 1970s, the campaigning group Wages for Housework – women, lay down your dusters! – was thought to be cranky and cultish even by some of the second-wave feminists who should then have been most sympathetic to its cause. The story went that if someone stood up at a meeting and announced themselves as one of its members, the audience would groan, knowing a lecture was inevitable; in 1975, the Guardian compared its acolytes (it never had more than a few dozen official members) to Jehovah's Witnesses. By the time it finally fizzled out in the 1990s, its reputation was in the mud. Increasingly riven by factions, former members accused its leadership of bullying and intimidation. But some ideas take a long time to come into their own. In Britain in 2025, the issue of social care and its funding is impossible to ignore. This morning, I read of Andrea Tucker, who successfully challenged in court a demand that she repay £4,600 in carer's allowance overpayments (Tucker looked after her mother for 15 years; the Department for Work and Pensions claimed she breached weekly earnings limits, in spite of it having previously advised her otherwise). Post-Covid, just about everyone is aware of the fuzziness of the line between work and home, while the concept of a universal basic income, once thought radical to the point of loopy, is fast gaining credence. In England, a pilot scheme is running in central Jarrow, north-east England, and East Finchley, north London; Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester, is a vocal adherent. Emily Callaci's new history of WFH – how strange and appropriate that its acronym is the same as for working from home – is, then, rather well timed, for all that it sometimes makes for unintentionally comic reading (when Callaci, an American historian, earnestly recounts the histories of myriad splinter groups, it's impossible not to picture – freedom for Tooting! – the old BBC sitcom Citizen Smith). But even before we get to the matter of who does what in the home, her book steps on familiar present-day territory. Hello again, liberal males. How interesting to read that the women whose stories she tells were attacked not only by the right, but by those men who were meant in theory to be on their side. In Italy, where Wages for Housework was led by a Marxist academic from Padua called Mariarosa Dalla Costa, the leftwing press characterised the movement's members as bourgeois castrators. It was scandalised by the fact that she and her colleagues had the temerity to describe unwaged women as members of the proletariat, a categorisation that gave them equal status with male factory workers. Dalla Costa is at the heart of Callaci's book, whose structure takes the form of a group biography, and she's perhaps its most appealing character. As a member in the late 60s of the anti-capitalist operaismo movement, one of whose rallying cries was 'Less work, more money!', Dalla Costa would rise at 4am to leaflet petrochemical plants before returning to Padua to teach her students Rousseau. For her, class and sex intersected, and this made her a natural ally for Selma James, the American founder of the international Wages for Housework campaign (the estranged wife of the historian CLR James, she was living in the UK). James's consciousness had been raised by motherhood and the low-paid factory jobs she'd done. In 1972, she and Dalla Costa published The Power of Women and the Subversion of the Community, which effectively launched the debate over domestic labour by spelling out the fact that capitalist economies rely on those who care for the workers: who cook and clean for them; who raise their children; who tend to them when they're ill. As another activist, the Italian-American scholar Silvia Federici, later put it: 'They say it is love. We say it is unwaged work.' Such ideas made powerful sense in the moment, printed on a pamphlet or shouted through a loudhailer. But when people asked questions, their incoherence became obvious. Was the wage intended to compensate housework, and if so, who was to pay it? The state or the man's employer? (The worker was then almost always a man.) Many second wavers resented the association of housework with feminism – they didn't care to be paid for plumping pillows; they wanted careers outside the home – while others saw the campaign's demands as nothing more than a productivity deal, pounds to be offered in exchange for spaghetti bolognese and clean sheets. Federici argued that money was not the point; she couldn't say how much the wage should be. But if this was so, how would anyone know when the battle was won? It seemed that WFH required women to participate in a struggle that had no clear immediate objective. For the casual reader, however, such nitty-gritty is perhaps less captivating than the book's atmosphere more generally, a mood that is at once ridiculous and rather magnificent. Whether logical or not, WFH's ideas seeped into the ether. When the school leaving age was raised to 15 in the UK, some girls believed they should be paid for their time, since they were no longer allowed to work. Should the cash go to their parents? A teenager called Gaye thought not: 'Like, if we was naughty, they'd say, oh, you're not getting your money today…' Amazingly, Selma James regarded such a standpoint not as cheek, but as a legitimate rebellion against the stranglehold of capital. In Italy, meanwhile, an artist called Milli Gandini turned WFH into an art project. Having allowed dust to accumulate on the surfaces of her house, she used her finger to draw feminist symbols in it, which she then photographed. The cooking pots she'd once used for pasta, she painted in bright colours, after which she bound their lids shut with barbed wire. For its leaders, one senses that WFH had a personal, psychic cost: the black activist Wilmette Brown is a case in point. Callaci tries repeatedly to interview her, but she's now a practising Hindu and yogi; the closest Callaci gets is to attend an event via Zoom during which Manisha, as she's now known, discusses immigration (the talk is sponsored by a Pinner-based organisation called Tattva). Many activists drifted away; others, battle-scarred, can no longer bear even to think of those times. WFH's last gasp in the UK was at Greenham Common in the 1980s, where Brown and others are said to have sowed discontent in the women's peace camp ('Pay women, not the military,' read their banners). It may be, Callaci suggests, that WFH's global demands were simply too wide-ranging. What, after all, do women in Peru really have in common with those in Plymouth or Pensacola? Or perhaps – a happier alternative – it's simply that its time is yet to come. For all the robot vacuum cleaners in the world still can't answer the vital question: what counts as work, and when and how much is a person owed for doing it? Wages for Housework by Emily Callaci is published by Allen Lane (£25). To support the Guardian and Observer order your copy at Delivery charges may apply
