The Vicar of Dibley is RETURNING! Dawn French to reprise her role as Geraldine Granger for Christmas lockdown specials
The Vicar of Dibley is set to return to screens this Christmas for a trio of lockdown specials.
Star Dawn French, 63, is set to reprise her role as the titular vicar for the 10-minute episodes, as Geraldine Granger records a series of sermons for her parishioners while they are holed up at home during lockdown.
While The Vicar of Dibley originally aired from 1994 to 1998, the series returned for various specials before officially concluding in 2007, but has briefly headed back to screens for various shorts in aid of Comic Relief.
It’s back! The Vicar of Dibley is set to return to screens this Christmas for a trio of lockdown specials (star Dawn French pictured with the original cast)
Throughout lockdown, Geraldine has been writing and delivering monthly sermons over Zoom, offering her musings on life, faith and of course chocolate.
The specials will air after repeats of some of the series’ most iconic episodes over the festive period, with the entire series also set to be available on BBC iPlayer.
The three 10-minute episodes will also air as one 30-minute special over the festive period, with an exact date to be confirmed.
James Fleet will also reprise his role as Hugo Horton, who, along with some of the local primary school children, will help the vicar.
Back on air! Star Dawn French is set to reprise her role as the titular vicar for the 10-minute episodes, as Geraldine Granger records a series of sermons for her parishioners
Fun: The specials will air after repeats of some of the series’ most iconic episodes over the festive period, with the entire series also set to be available on BBC iPlayer
Despite the death of star Emma Chambers in 2018, Alice will still play a pivotal role in the specials, with some residents still battling the arrival of decimalisation.
On reprising the role again, Dawn said: ‘Back in the dog collar, back in Dibley and back on your telly at Xmas. I couldn’t be happier. Bless you.’
Writer Richard Curtis added:’ Like every village in the country, there’s been a lot happening in Dibley this year – and Dawn has got a lot to say about it.’
Shane Allen, Controller, Comedy Commissioning for the BBC says: ‘This triple festive treat from the nations favourite fun-loving vicar is the warm comedy hug we’ve all missed.’
Hilarious: The Vicar of Dibley is no stranger to the festive period, with one of the most iconic episodes seeing Geraldine attempt to eat her way through three Christmas dinners
Throwback: The series came to a conclusion in 2007 when Geraldine tied the knot, but has since returned for several shorts in aid of Comic Relief
The Vicar of Dibley first arrived on screens in 1994, when Reverend Geraldine Granger became the vicar for the small English village of Dibley, after changes in the Church of England permitted the ordination of women.
Emma starred as Geraldine’s sweet but hapless best friend Alice Horton, alongside Gary Waldhorn as Councillor David Horton and Roger Lloyd-Pack as farmer Owen Newitt.
The original series concluded in 1998, with one of its most memorable episodes seeing Geraldine struggle to eat her way through three Christmas lunches.
In 1999 the series continued with four festive episodes, and two more in 2004 and 2005.
The Vicar of Dibley then came to an end in 2007, when Granger married the handsome accountant Harry Kennedy (played by Richard Armitage), but has since returned for several shorts in aid of Comic Relief.
In April Dawn also reprised her role as Geraldine for BBC’s Big Night In, to raise funds for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Vicar of Dibley Christmas Specials will air on BBC One in December.
Fun: Earlier this year Dawn also reprised her role as Geraldine as part of BBC’s Big Night In to raise funds for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic