Rumor has it John Challis and David Jason (Del Boy) hated each other. Total nonsense. They were best mates off-screen. They’d crack up between takes constantly.
But here’s the fun bit: John Challis improvised most of Gary’s best lines. The script would say “Gary makes a rude comment.” He’d just wing it. Pure filth from a polite posh man.
He once said, “I just thought, what would a complete git say?” And thus, Gary’s entire persona was born.
Vera season 11: Only Fools and Horses star appears in episode 4 | TV
The Secret Family
Gary had a wife on the show. Marlene. Played by Sue Holderness. She was a vision of leopard print and cigarette smoke. They had zero chemistry—and that was the joke.
In real life, John Challis and Sue Holderness were best friends. They’d have tea together between scenes. Then put on the tacky personas.
The show hinted Gary and Marlene had a wild sex life. Off-screen, they just talked about gardening. Glorious.
