THIS Morning fans were in tears today as David Jason appeared talking about his late friend John Challis.
The Del Boy actor, 81, starred alongside the Boycie star in Only Fools And Horses for more than two decades.
It was revealed yesterday that John had died “peacefully in his sleep” from cancer at the age of 79.
Looking devastated, David appeared on the daytime hit today he told Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby: “We’re still suffering a bit of shock I’m afraid.”
He said that John’s health had taken a dramatic turn just as friends had hoped he was on the mend.
David explained: “It wasn’t a complete surprise because poor old John hadn’t been well for the last month or two. But it seemed he went downhill so fast.
“One minute we were thinking he was on the road to recovery. Sadly it just took him quite swiftly. We’re still suffering a bit of shock I’m afraid.”
He also spoke about his skills in the role of mean-spirited second hand car dealer Boycie on Only Fools.
David explained: “One of the things I always measure an actor by is the difference between how they are in real life and the part that they play.
“It comes as a bit of surprise sometimes to people that John Challis was such a kind and ordinary loveable sort of chap. Totally different to the character Boycie that he played.
“A lot of people tended to think that was John. It wasn’t, it goes to show the skill that he had as an actor to portray Boycie the way that he did.
“It was totally against his natural nature.”
One fan posted crying emojis after the heartrending interview with one writing: “David Jason such a genuine man and John challis portraying Boycie with Marlene a match made combination! R.I.P Mr Challis!! 
.”
Another wrote: “David Jason getting all emotional 
i absolutely adore this man. Up there with David Attenborough.”
Another wrote: “David Jason is a National Treasure. Long live Del Boy.”
