AN ACTOR who swapped the Nag’s Head for north Herefordshire has launched his memoirs.

Marlene was nowhere in sight when John Challis signed copies of Being Boycie at his local bookshop in Brampton Bryan.

The signing at Aardvark Books comes 30 years after Only Fools and Horses first appeared on the nation’s screens.

John said he was very pleased to launch the book at Aardvark, and was witty, charming and cool according to directors.

The autobiography is a “warts and all” account of one of the sitcom’s favourite characters and his acting career.

John talks frankly about his childhood ambition of becoming an actor and how he thrived in provincial repertory theatre.

He vividly recalls the hustle of 60s and 70s television drama and the stages of London’s West End theatres.

The highs included appearances on a host of popular shows, National Theatre plays and his legendary role as Boycie.

But his book also describes the pressures of fame, his troubled marriages and a longing for his father’s approval.

Being Boycie is published by Wigmore Books priced £9.99.