As ‘Boycie’ he was a selfish yuppie keen to show his superiority – but in real life, actor John Challis is in awe of the lifeboat crews he generously supports

What’s your first memory of the RNLI?
At school I remember reading about the lifeboats and loved the idea of plunging down a slipway into the sea. I never thought I would get to experience it until the crew at The Lizard surprised me. My wife arranged for me to visit the Cornish station as a 67th birthday treat – and the volunteers very kindly took me out on the lifeboat! I have visited that station many times and it was an honour to be the patron of their lifeboat appeal.

You don’t have a strong accent in real life – was it difficult keeping up Boycie’s cockney twang?
No – I’ve always been a mimic and I’m fascinated by accents. My father was from Yorkshire and my mum was from the Westcountry. I could do both their accents. And at school I used to do impressions of the masters to amuse the other boys. So I was always going to be a performer.

But you’re a writer too now, aren’t you?
I’ve released two volumes of my autobiography, and dedicated the second one to the men and women at the Lizard Lifeboat Station. I’ve also published two novels. The latest one features a character called Reggie, who arrives in the countryside after losing his money and gets into scrapes – some of which are inspired by things that have happened to me since I moved to Herefordshire!

Do you miss the stage work and touring of your early career?
Actually it’s gone full circle – I’m doing a tour called Only Fools and Boycie. It’s for fans of the TV show, which is just so loved by people of many different ages and backgrounds. I remember when I first came to live in Herefordshire: a rather well-to-do landowner came straight up to me at a charity event and said: ‘Welcome Boycie’! There’s an endless fascination with the programme and the cast.

And you have found a way to raise funds for the RNLI at the same time?
Yes – I always take a lifeboat collection box with me. People put money in, wherever I go. I think it’s that universal respect for the lifesavers that does it. The crews don’t see themselves as heroes but everyone is full of admiration for them. They are brave people.

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WHO IS JOHN CHALLIS?
John worked as an estate agent before answering an advertisement in a magazine asking for travelling theatre performers. His stage work led to a variety of television roles, including Boycie in the BBC’s Only Fools and Horses and its spin off, Green Green Grass. John is also a novelist.

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MY FAVOURITE ...

ACTOR: Ronnie Barker ‘He was a hero – a king of comic acting, a generous man and a writing genius.’

FOOD: Italian ‘The meats, cheese, olives, pasta ... I’m getting hungry just talking about it!’

DESTINATION: Portafino, Italy ‘It’s just so pretty. It’s a little bay on the coast that was the top place to visit in the 1930s.’

PLACE TO WRITE: My spare room ‘We live in a remote part of Herefordshire and the view inspires me to write.’