ONE of television’s best loved actors has become a new patron at the Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn.

John Challis, who appeared as Terrance Aubrey ‘Boycie’ Boyce in hit BBC comedy series Only Fools and Horses, said he had no hesitation in joining the Ewood theatre.

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The popular star is also well known for his roles in programmes including Citizen Smith, Coronation Street, The Bill, Heartbeat and Dr Who.

But it wasn’t until he landed the role of Boycie, a wide boy second-hand car dealer, that he became a household name. The popular show ran from 1981 to 1991 with sporadic Christmas specials until 2003.

He has since appeared in the spin-off show The Green Green Grass, which was broadcast from 2005 to 2009.

The actor has also appeared in a number of stage shows including Peter Pan and Aladdin and has penned two volumes of autobiography.

John, 72, said: “I visited the theatre on a recent tour and was bowled over by it.

“It's an excellent example of what a community can do to keep arts alive.

“I received a wonderfully warm welcome and I was very impressed by the theatre's story.

“It's incredible that so many local people have volunteered and worked so hard to provide such a first-class facility.

“I had no hesitation in agreeing to become a patron and I’d encourage the wider community to continue its support for the Thwaites Empire Theatre.”

‘Boycie’ joins Blackburn born actor, Anthony Valentine, who was recruited in 2005, as a patron.

The theatre’s chairman, Michael Berry, said: “John visited the theatre in March with his ‘audience with’ evening.

“He was really taken by our venue and the warm welcome of our dedicated volunteers.

“He’s a big supporter of our social media pages and will lend his support whenever he’s in the area.”