The man who made the phrase "come along Marlene" famous as legendary Only Fools and Horses character Boycie is coming home to Epsom this month after a social media campaign by residents.

John Challis, who played faux-posh used car dealer Boycie in the country’s best-loved sitcom for more than 20 years, will be revealing all about his time in the comedy, as well as his life before and after, in his new show Only Fools and Boycie which is currently touring the country.

He says he asked his agent to organise the gig after Epsom residents contacted him on Twitter asking him to bring the show to the Playhouse.

"I spend a lot of time on Twitter, communicating with fans, and have 45,000 followers," Challis tells Vibe.

"Last summer, a number of them tweeted me and asked me to come to Epsom.

"I think they had heard about my one man show and so I asked my agent to book a date and I can’t wait to return to the playhouse."

Having grown up in Epsom on the Woodcote Estate and enjoyed many races up on the Downs, Challis adds: "It’s like I’m coming home in a way."

The evening will see Challis reveal stories from his work with The Beatles and Oliver Reed, being introduced to The Rolling Stones, drinking with George Best, and starring in Coronation Street, Dr Who, Citizen Smith and Only Fools and Horses spin-off The Green Green Grass.

He says it will be "essential viewing for all Only Fools and Horses fans".

"It’s an intimate evening with me, in which I talk about my life and my years in Only Fools And Horses.

"There’s also a meet-and-greet after the show, so people can get autographs and selfies, if they wish.

"Only Fools and Horses changed my life and it’s prompted some very funny episodes.

"People also get the chance to ask a few questions and I also meet the fans and sign copies of my autobiography following the show."

Challis says his first love was theatre, which he pursued after a "false start" at school.

"I started off impersonating all of my masters and was in all the school plays.

"The first part I had was a girl - and I was very pretty too.

"But then my headmaster said that I needed a steady job and I took up with an estate agents firm. I had a false start really.

"I then joined the travelling children’s theatre."

His most famous role undoubtedly remains Boycie, the school riend of Del Boy, Trigger and Denzil, whom he regularly antagonises with tales of his mock-Georgian mansion in the King’s Road and Masonic connections.

What does he think is the enduring appeal of the show?

"It’s the characters and the writing. John Sullivan wrote from the heart. He wrote about families and what everyone goes through. People identify with the struggle.

"Particularly Del Boy, who is the archetypal little man trying to claw his way up. His deals are dodgy, but he’s actually a very moral man."

In contrast to Del, Challis says Boycie would not be his cup of tea if he met him in real life.

"He sits in Sid’s cafe with the others to feel superior to them.

"I thought he was a very unattractive character. He’s likable to himself, but if I met someone like him I would think ‘eugh’. People identify with that and think ‘I know someone like that’.

"He’s loosely based on someone from a pub I knew who had a superior air about him."

And, with an embarrassment of riches to choose from, what is Challis’ favourite Only Fools and Horses episode?

"In terms of my character, it has to be where you find out his real name."

Aubrey?

"I am here," replies Challis.

He says the remaining Only Fools and Horses cast members meet up several times a year, spending time with fans and taking part in an annual convention on the programme.

"We all speak and I see a lot of Marlene, or, rather, the actress Sue Holderness who I appeared with at the Playhouse a few years ago," he says.

"It’s been an extraordinary life and I’ve met a lot of interesting people.

"I feel very humbled that the people of Epsom Tweeted me and asked me to come and I’ll look forward to meeting them soon."

Only Fools and Boycie; Epsom Playhouse, Ashley Avenue, Epsom; Thursday, February 19, 7.30pm; £15; call 01372 742555; visit www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk.