By David Statham

Boycie and Marlene, memorable characters from the nation’s favourite TV sitcom Only Fools And Horses, are heading to Mansfield.

The stars will meet and greet the show’s fans at the John Fretwell Sporting Complex, Sookholme, at a special Evening With event on Thursday, 17th March.

Expertly played in the BBC 1 comedy series by John Challis and Sue Holderness, Boycie and Marlene regularly left their large mock-Georgian house on Kings Avenue in the London Borough of Lewisham and frequented the “Hooky Streets” of Peckham, occupied by Del Boy and his younger brother, Rodney, the hard-up market traders always after quick cash.

Boycie, a snobbish, successful, cigar smoking second-hand car dealer, immediately identifiable by a distinct fire-cracker laugh and snappy catchphrases, was a lavishly dressed Freemason.

A former school friend of Del’s, he was often persuaded to delve into his silk-lined suit pockets and part with notes from his rolled-up bundles of cash to buy Del’s dodgy goods.

John and Sue, both of whom have enjoyed illustrious careers in radio and stage as well as on TV, appeared in Only Fools And Horses on numerous occasions since the show’s debut in 1981 and subsequently in their own sitcom, Green Green Grass, an Only Fools And Horses spin-off, which followed the couple as they moved from London to the Shropshire countryside.

Carl Constable, of Sutton, and Trevor Howis, of Mansfield, who run event company HCC Sportstalk, have organised the evening of family entertainment.

Carl, who lists the sitcom’s episodes To Hull And Back and Friday The 14th as his favourites, said: “I’m a huge Only Fools And Horses fan and it’s a massive coup to get these two stars to Mansfield.

“I didn’t think we would be able to pull it off so I’m pleased. Boycie and Marlene are sitcom legends and this could be the only time they both come to the town, so it’s a great opportunity for people to come along, meet them and have their photo alongside them.”

A yellow three-wheeled Trotter van similar to the one seen in the series is also rumbling to the venue.

VIP guests will get to meet and greet the stars and receive a photograph and pie and pea meal.

Standard tickets for the event are £15 and VIP are £35. For more details visit www.hccsportstalk.uk or call Carl on 07758 540652.