John Challis, the actor and author best known for playing Boycie in the BBC’s most successful ever sitcom Only Fools and Horses is to speak at Toby’s Garden Festival in April 2018. Keen gardener John will be at the two-day garden fiesta on 27th and 28th April at Powderham Castle signing copies of his book, Wigmore Abbey: The Treasure of Mortimer, an autobiographical account of creating his house and garden in Herefordshire with wife Carol.

John says, “I am thrilled to be a guest at Powderham as it’s been on my must-visit list for years. We live in this wonderful 800 year-old house which was the abbot’s lodging of a great abbey attached to Wigmore Castle in Herefordshire so we love castles of all shapes and sizes!

Toby says: “I can’t wait to hear John’s story, of both treading the boards and the borders! I know he’s a funny and fascinating speaker and with 50 years on screen he’ll have a tale or two to tell, I’m sure!”

Only Fools and Horses first hit the nation’s screens in 1981 and was on air for seven series and sixteen Christmas specials until 2003. Wigmore Abbey was the inspiration and location for the spin-off series The Green Green Grass of Home in which Boycie and on-screen wife Marlene flee Peckham for a new home after failing out with gangsters. John’s most recent TV project is ITV’s Benidorm where he plays Monty, love interest to Joyce Temple-Savage played by Sherrie Hewson.

Other speakers at the festival, now in its fifth year, include BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time panellist Anne Swithinbank, and BBC Radio Two’s allotment doctor, Terry Walton, from The Jeremy Vine Show. Highlights include more than 180 exhibitors, including Chelsea flowershow-favourite nurseries, artisan craft, food and drink from the West Country, live music and family entertainment.

Advance online tickets, family and VIP are on sale now from £10.