HE'S a classic sitcom character who will loom large in our memories long after the Mirandas and Kumars of the TV world have passed from our consciousness.

Boycie from Only Fools and Horses remains as popular today as he was when the comedy was originally aired.

The brash, cigar-smoking car dealer and his wife Marlene were as much a part of the show as Nelson Mandela House and Peckham Spring Water.

And with this in mind, Boycie's alter-ego John Challis is bringing his one-man show to Weymouth Pavilion on Sunday.

Prolific 'tweeter' John, 73, who also starred in Only Fools spin-off sitcom The Green Green Grass, said his national tour came about after a Twitter campaign from fans.

John was recently voted one of the UK’s most influential over-50 tweeters because he has more than 50,000 followers and uses Twitter every day.

He said he was delighted to be asked by fans to take his show Only Fools and Boycie across the country.

“I spend a lot of time on Twitter, communicating with fans, and have 50,000 followers. "Last summer, a number of them tweeted me and asked me to visit a variety of venues.”

In the show John will tell stories from his life, including working with The Beatles and Oliver Reed, being introduced to The Rolling Stones, drinking with George Best, and starring in Coronation Street, Dr Who, Only Fools and Horses and The Green Green Grass.

He says fans can expect plenty of laughter from the show.

"After all, that's what Boycie is best known for.

"I love meeting fans when I'm out on the road and Only Fools and Horses remains one of the most popular shows of all time.

"It was back on our screens on Christmas Day last year and it's never gone out of fashion.

"People will get the lowdown on the show; I'll be taking them behind the scenes and talking through some of the most famous episodes.

"I'll also reveal a few surprises from my 50-years in showbusiness, like the time I turned down The Beatles after they'd asked me to appear in one of their films.

"And do you know, I still regret that to this day.

"There'll be an audience Q&A and a meet'n'greet aftewards, during which I'll sign autographs, meet fans and pose for selfies."

Hereford resident John said writing new material comes easy for him.

"I've got a lifetime's worth of material to choose from.

"So many things have happened in my life that it's never difficult to pick up a funny anecdote.

"I shared Marlon Brando's dressing room when I was touring a play in America, I drank with George Best when he was the country's most famous footballer and I watched in horror as Oliver Reed smashed up a hotel room.

"And that's before we even get to Only Fools and Horses. I've lived a remarkable life and it's a real thrill to be able to share some of my stories with fans."

John has a number of comedic influences, he said.

"I still follow comedy and I keep an eye on what's going on.

"I like Miranda, for instance, and Mrs Browns Boys also gets my vote of approval.

"I suppose the people I looked up to most were the comics from The Goon Show.

"I could do all of the voices. That's how I got started. I used to imitate people, I was a natural mimic. I wasn't the brightest kid in the class, but I was the one who could make people laugh."

Reunions of the Only Fools and Horses cast still take place, John said.

"We see one another quite often.

"We were a huge gang and we all got along. Of course, quite a few of the cast are no longer with us.

"Our writer, John Sullivan, has also passed away. Last year, we lost Roger Lloyd Pack, who played Trigger.

"I had been speaking with him a day or so before, so it was a huge shock.

"We continue to see one another at conventions and so on, but I don't think there'll be another series. You never say never, but I don't think it's likely."

The character of Boycie has, of course, been one of the most enduring of the show.

John said: "Boycie is still popular because people had sympathy for him.

"They realised he was wheeling and dealing to try and make something better.

"I think people identified with that. Of course, he found himself in hilarious situations and they made people laugh.

"John Sullivan was one of the best writers of all time and he created extraordinary characters.

"But John always used to tell us actors that we'd brought them to life."

And John is still keeping incredibly busy now, he says, continuing to act and tour.

He said: "I've been working for 50 years in showbusiness and I'm busier than ever.

"I'm doing 25 dates of my show this autumn and I'll do another set of shows next year. "I’ve been filming more episodes of Benidorm on ITV, which people seem to really love. "I'm featuring in what-will-be a very successful pantomime at the end of the year and I’ll also be looking to write my next novel.

"I've got plenty of other irons in the fire. But I’m looking forward to being on the road this autumn so that I can meet fans and celebrate Only Fools and Horses with them."

*John Challis is in Only Fools and Boycie at Weymouth Pavilion on Sunday from 7.30pm.

Contact Weymouth Pavilion for tickets.