John Challis has backed a campaign for a Del Boy statue to be erected on an iconic ‘Only Fools and Horses’ setting ahead of its demolition.
The 76-year-old star – who played Aubrey ‘Boycie’ Boyce on the classic British sitcom – wants to commemorate the fictional London tower block Nelson Mandela House, which featured in the show’s opening credits and was the home of Del (Sir David Jason) and Rodney Trotter (Nicholas Lyndhurst).
Harlech Tower in Acton, west London – which was used as the exterior of Nelson Mandela House – is set to be demolished, and comedy channel Gold has launched a petition for a plaque or a statue of David’s iconic character to be placed there in commemoration.
John said: "The towers carry a lot of nostalgia for many of us – not just the cast, but everyone who has enjoyed watching the show over the years.
"While we don’t want to stand in the way of any progress being made, we do want to commemorate the towers’ long-standing connection to ‘Only Fools and Horses’ and its British comedy legacy."
Along with the petition – which needs a total of 1,500 signatures to be submitted to Ealing Council for consideration – Gold has also unveiled initial designs to drum up support.
The flat was home to many of the how’s best loved scenes, including Granddad’s disastrous Christmas dinner in 1981 episode ‘Christmas Crackers’.
The popular comedy aired for seven series between 1981 and 1991, while fans were also treated to several Christmas specials until the show’s end in 2003.
Fans and members of the public wanting to sign the petition can do so here: http://chng.it/XVcBzqjLXc
John Challis back Del Boy statue at Nelson Mandela House site
