Latest news with #TheVicarofDibley
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Inside Dawn French's quiet life after ditching £6.6m mansion
The actress sold her home in 2021 for £6.6million. She's an icon known for her roles in the The Vicar of Dibley and French and Saunders, but now, Dawn French has traded showbiz for a quieter life closer to the Devon-Cornwall border. The 67 year old decided to leave behind the picturesque town of Fowey when it reportedly became "too cool and trendy" for her liking. Dawn called Cornwall home for nearly 20 years, however the actress has bid farewell to her 15-bedroom manor house with stunning views after putting it on the market for an impressive £6.6 million in 2021 – tripling her initial investment from 2006. The star was born in Wales but left her substantial property in search of a more peaceful setting within the quieter parts of the Duchy. Dawn now enjoys the tranquillity of a secluded Cornish village with her husband Mark Bignell, with stunning waterside views far from the hustle and bustle that descend on Fowey during peak season, writes The Mirror. In 2006, Dawn moved into a Grade-II listed house in Fowey with her then-husband Sir Lenny Henry and their daughter Billie, before their marriage came to an end in 2010. She then went on to tie the knot in 2013 with her current husband, Mark, a therapist, and decided to stay in their shared home. The much-loved comedian has become an advocate for Cornwall's breathtaking scenery and its culinary scene, frequently praising local eateries for their "unpretentious" atmosphere and delicious food. Dawn often shares a lot of her life online and often walks on Par Beach, which is not only picturesque but also dog-friendly, making it a perfect spot for walks with her beloved pet. One of Dawn's favourite spots for a meal out is Edie's Kitchen in Carlyon Bay, just a short distance from where she used to live. She took to social media to praise it as the pinnacle of her dining experiences that year, lauding the restaurant for its "unpretentious, fresh, tasty good-lookin' grub". In September 2018, national treasure Dawn caused a stir among patrons at Edie's Kitchen when she popped in during the filming of the third series of her hit show Delicious. The Hidden Hut in Portscatho is another gem Dawn holds dear, hailed as one of Cornwall's hidden treasures. It has received praise from celebrities like Rick Stein and Alice Levine and even played host to global leaders during the G7 Summit in 2021. Back in 2017, Dawn posted a stunning photo of a misty morning walk on Par Beach with her cherished dog. Dawn, known for her irresistible charm and sharp humour, took to Twitter in 2019 to flaunt her affection for Cornwall with a playful jab. Alongside a photo featuring her pet against the picturesque coastal scenery, she quipped: "Cornwall. Ghastly." Fast forward to 2024, and property prices in Cornwall have skyrocketed, with the average home now fetching £299,000, stats from the Office for National Statistics reveal. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Dawn French's life in one of UK's quietest villages after leaving £6.6m mansion
Dawn French has been a fixture in Cornwall for almost two decades and has shared some delightful insights into her coastal life with husband Mark Bignell in recent years Dawn French, famed for her roles in The Vicar of Dibley and French and Saunders, has t raded her coastal view for a quieter spot closer to the Devon-Cornwall border. Her decision came as the picturesque town of Fowey became "too cool and trendy" for her liking. Having made Cornwall her home nearly 20 years ago, French has been delighting fans with glimpses into her life by the sea. She said goodbye to her 15-bedroom manor house with stunning estuary views in Fowey, after selling it for an impressive £6.6 million in 2021 – tripling her initial investment from 2006. Born in Wales, Dawn left her substantial property in search of a more tranquil setting within the quieter parts of the Duchy. Dawn now enjoys the tranquillity of a secluded Cornish village with her husband Mark Bignell, savouring waterside views far from the crowds of tourists that descend on Fowey during peak season, reports Devon Live. Back in 2006, Dawn moved into a Grade-II listed house in Fowey with her then-husband Sir Lenny Henry and their daughter Billie, before they split in 2010. In 2013, Dawn tied the knot with her current husband, Mark, a therapist, and decided to remain in their shared home. The much-loved comedian has become an advocate for Cornwall's breathtaking scenery and its culinary scene, frequently praising local eateries for their "unpretentious" atmosphere and scrumptious food. Dawn often injects her trademark humour into posts about her life in Cornwall, sharing snaps of idyllic yet less well-known locations such as Par Beach, which is not only picturesque but also dog-friendly, making it a perfect spot for walks with her beloved pet. One of Dawn's favourite spots for a meal out is Edie's Kitchen in Carlyon Bay, just a short distance from where she used to live. She took to Twitter to acclaim it as the pinnacle of her dining experiences that year, lauding the restaurant for its "unpretentious, fresh, tasty good-lookin' grub". In September 2018, national treasure Dawn caused a stir among patrons at Edie's Kitchen when she popped in during the filming of the third series of her hit show Delicious. The Hidden Hut in Portscatho is another gem Dawn holds dear, hailed as one of Cornwall's hidden treasures. It has received praise from celebrities like Rick Stein and Alice Levine and even played host to global leaders during the G7 Summit in 2021. Back in 2017, Dawn posted a stunning photo of a misty morning walk on Par Beach with her cherished dog. When Dawn shared the image of Par Beach, locals from St Austell were quick to recognise the spot, sparking a buzz of excitement within the Friends of Par Beach Facebook group. Dawn, known for her irresistible charm and sharp humour, took to Twitter in 2019 to flaunt her affection for Cornwall with a playful jab. Alongside a photo featuring her pet against the picturesque coastal scenery, she quipped: "Cornwall. Ghastly." Fast forward to 2024, and property prices in Cornwall have skyrocketed, with the average home now fetching £299,000, stats from the Office for National Statistics reveal.
Edinburgh Live
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Dawn French's life in quaint coastal village after leaving £6.6m mansion behind
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The British comedian Dawn French, celebrated for her memorable characters in 'The Vicar of Dibley' and 'French and Saunders', has traded her picturesque Fowey sea view for a more secluded location near the Devon-Cornwall border. This comes as Fowey became "too cool and trendy" for her preference. Dawn French has become synonymous with life in Cornwall since making it her home nearly twenty years ago, enchanting her fans with snapshots of her life by the sea. In 2021, she sold her expansive 15-bedroom waterfront mansion in Fowey, which boasted breathtaking estuary views, for £6.6 million – a considerable increase from her initial investment in 2006. READ MORE - BBC period drama 'better than Downton Abbey' as fans demand return of show READ MORE - Steven Gerrard's off-screen life from famous wife, massive net worth and 'career return' A native of Wales, Dawn French opted to leave behind her substantial property, as reported by the Express, in favour of a more serene environment within the quieter reaches of Cornwall. Now, alongside her husband Mark Bignell, Dawn French enjoys the tranquility of a secluded Cornish village, basking in the serene waterside scenery, far removed from the crowds of tourists that flood Fowey during the peak season, reports Devon Live. French had first made Fowey her home in 2006, residing in a Grade-II listed property with her then-husband Sir Lenny Henry and their daughter Billie, prior to their separation in 2010. In 2013, Dawn French tied the knot with her current spouse Mark, a therapist, and decided to remain in their Cornish home. During her time in Cornwall, as Cornwall Live has documented, Dawn has become an avid advocate for the county's breathtaking scenery and gastronomic delights, frequently praising local eateries for their "unpretentious" atmosphere and delectable dishes. The adored comedienne shares glimpses of her life in Cornwall with her followers, often humourously showcasing lesser-known gems like the dog-friendly Par Beach, which is also a preferred stroll for her furry companion. One of Dawn's favourite spots for a meal out is Edie's Kitchen in Carlyon Bay, which is just a brief walk from where she used to live. She acclaimed it on Twitter as the peak of her dining experiences that particular year, extolling the restaurant for its "unpretentious, fresh, tasty good-lookin grub". Come September 2018, national gem Dawn French brightened the spirits of patrons at Edie's Kitchen by popping in whilst filming the third series of her hit show 'Delicious'. Another treasured spot is the Hidden Hut in Portscatho, hailed as one of Cornwall's finest. Esteemed not only by locals but also by celebrities such as Rick Stein and Alice Levine, it even accommodated international dignitaries during the G7 Summit in 2021. Back in 2017, Dawn delighted her fans by posting a stunning snapshot of Par Beach shrouded in mist while walking her beloved pooch. The eagle-eyed residents of St Austell quickly recognised their cherished Par Beach in Dawn French's online photo, triggering a buzz of excitement among the Friends of Par Beach Facebook community. Dawn French, known for her brilliant wit, demonstrated it once again in a 2019 tweet that married her affection for Cornwall with a naughty twist. She shared a snap of her pet against a breathtaking coastal scene, wittily captioned: "Cornwall. Ghastly." Fast forward to 2024, purchasing a home in Cornwall now comes with a hefty price tag of £299,000 on average, as reported by the Office for National Statistics.
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Dawn French leads tributes to 'tip top' BBC colleague in moving post
Alan Yentob, the former director of television and BBC presenter, died earlier this week - and now Vicar of Dibley star Dawn French has paid tribute to the BBC icon Dawn French has honoured her friend and former colleague Alan Yentob with a touching tribute following his death at the age of 78. The beloved BBC presenter and ex-director of television passed away, leaving behind his wife Philippa Walker and their children. Philippa's heartfelt statement read: "For [our children] Jacob, Bella and I every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. Our life was exciting, he was exciting. He was curious, funny, annoying, late and creative in every cell of his body. But more than that, he was the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide." As the entertainment world mourns, Dawn French, famed for her role in The Vicar of Dibley, posted a touching photo on X - formerly known as Twitter - with Alan and Jennifer Saunders. the Express. Alan's illustrious career with the BBC began in 1968 as a trainee, leading to numerous high-profile positions. He was instrumental in launching children's channels CBBC and CBeebies, as well as popular shows like Absolutely Fabulous, Have I Got News For You, and the iconic Pride and Prejudice adaptation. John Simpson, host of Unspun World, joined the chorus of tributes, expressing his sorrow: "Very sad to hear that my good friend Alan Yentob has died. He was such good company, and a wonderful interviewer and documentary-maker. I shall miss him greatly." BBC Director-General Tim Davie paid a heartfelt tribute to Alan, labelling him a "towering figure" in the world of broadcasting. As excitement about Alan's illustrious career bubbles over, Davie called him "a creative force and a cultural visionary". In his own words: "He shaped decades of programming at the BBC and beyond, with a passion for storytelling and public service that leaves a lasting legacy." Davie warmly remembered Alan as more than just an innovative creator; he recounted, "But Alan was more than a pioneering creative - he was an unforgettable presence. Engaging, witty and endlessly curious, he brought energy and warmth to every conversation. He was generous with his time, fierce in his convictions, and full of joy in the work of others." Adding to the accolades, Davie emphasised how working alongside Alan could elevate one's vision and ambition: "To work with Alan was to be inspired and encouraged to think bigger. He had a rare gift for identifying talent and lifting others up - a mentor and champion to so many across the worlds of television, film and theatre." Tim Davie concluded the homage to the beloved figure by saying, "Above all, Alan was a true original. His passion wasn't performative - it was personal. He believed in the power of culture to enrich, challenge and connect us."
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Where The Vicar of Dibley cast is now - death, divorce, and tragic health woes
The Vicar of Dibley brought an unlikely group of parishioners together on screen, but while some of the cast have sparkling careers, they've been shaken by six heartbreaking deaths The Vicar of Dibley must be one of the nation's favourite shows over the past few decades. Originally running from 1994 to 2000, the BBC show was beloved by families all over, with plenty of slapstick moments for the kids and raunchy jokes for the adults. While it made a huge impact and bagged plenty of awards, it surprisingly only had 20 episodes in its main run, before returning for lots of special episodes due to fan demand. Unlike many sitcoms of the time which focused on younger groups and urban life, The Vicar of Dibley offered a slice of village life, following Dawn French as Reverend Geraldine as she arrived to shake up a village dominated by characterful old men. It was also created by Richard Curtis, who's better known for his huge films such as Love Actually and Notting Hill rather than his small screen works. The Vicar of Dibley was last on screen for a lockdown special, and sadly, if it returned again it wouldn't feature much of the original cast; most of them have died since the original series ended. Aside from tragic deaths, however, a lot of the main parish team have enjoyed incredible successes in their careers, and it's guaranteed that none of them will be forgotten. Dawn French - Reverend Geraldine Granger Reverend Geraldine Granger is the down-to-earth vicar who ruffled a few feathers when she arrived in the village. Despite some initial hesitations, Geraldine quickly became a popular member of the community, although her outrageous behaviour and the odd bit of rude language did turn heads. The star of the show, Dawn French is best known for writing and starring in French and Saunders with best friend Jennifer Saunders. Dawn has done it all, appearing in the theatre, TV series and big budget films, as well as presenting shows such as ITV's Little Big Shots. She also appeared in Little Britain, Lark Rise to Candleford and in Sky One's Delicious. Not limited to the small screen, Dawn played the Fat Lady portrait in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, starred in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, and also did voice work on The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and Coraline. She was married to comedian Lenny Henry when The Vicar of Dibley first aired, but they separated after 25 years of marriage in April 2010. Dawn then married charity executive Mark Bignell in 2013 after two years together. In recent years, Dawn has also been very open about her weight loss journey over the years after making the decision to overhaul her lifestyle in 2011. A cancer scare prompted the star to lose 7.5 stone for surgery, and she has since said it was a completely 'practical' choice and not one based on her appearance. Emma Chambers - Alice Horton Alice was the ditzy yet adorable church verger, who Geraldine once claimed had the "intellectual capacity and charisma of a cactus". Despite a backlash, Alice married her second cousin once removed Hugo Horton and went on to have 10 children. Actress Emma Chambers had us in fits of giggles throughout all 20 episodes of the show, and even won the British Comedy Award for Best Actress in 1998. Emma also appeared as Hugh Grant's on-screen sister in Notting Hill before going into voice work. Tragically, Emma died at home from a suspected heart attack in February 2018 at the age of just 53. Emma and Dawn were very close, with Dawn sharing at the time: "Emma was a very bright spark and the most loyal and loving friend anyone could wish for. I will miss her very much. Far too young and I think we're all still reeling a little bit from it. My memories of working with Emma are some of my most favourite memories of my whole career. "She's a massively diligent person, much unlike Alice. She was incredibly bright. Very funny, very knowing and yet she was able to play someone who was in a different world. She didn't play a simpleton, she played someone who had a different reality. She was incredibly authentic at that and I will miss that." Gary Waldhorn - David Horton David Horton was the bullish chairman of the Parish council and District Councillor - and Hugo's cold father. He frequently clashed with Geraldine due to his old-fashioned nature, but the pair came to respect each other as the series went on. Actor Gary Waldhorn appeared in every episode of the show, including all of the specials. Away from the parish, Gary has appeared in many classic British TV shows such as The Sweeney, Heartbeat and The Bill, as well as Hotel Babylon in 2008. He has also turned to adverts, with his voice being heard on commercials for Green Flag, Kwik Fit and Marmite. Sadly, Gary died in January 2022, aged 78. In a statement, his grieving son Josh shared: "Classically trained, it was the theatre where he truly flourished and he leaves a legacy of entertainment that saw him frequent the boards of Broadway, the West End and our living rooms on the telly! He leaves behind his two grandsons, Cooper and Bayley and his son Josh. We will all miss him terribly." Roger Lloyd-Pack - Owen Newitt Farmer and parish council member Owen had awful hygiene and was labelled 'Britain's B.O. King'. He was the first person to support Geraldine's appointment as vicar, but was famously always late for council meetings. Owen was one of many people to propose to the vicar, but she did join him for Christmas dinner in 1996, meaning he finally didn't spend it alone. The man behind the character, Roger Lloyd-Pack, is best known for playing Trigger in Only Fools and Horses. He also became known to a new generation of fans through his Doctor Who appearances and for his role of Barty Crouch Sr. in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Roger also had roles in The Catherine Tate Show, The Bill and Doc Martin - with his final role in an episode of Law & Order: UK in 2014. The popular actor tragically died from pancreatic cancer in January 2014 at the age of 69, with Only Fools co-stars David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst attending his funeral. Dawn hosted a special 10-minute tribute to her co-star on the BBC, telling viewers he was 'a really lovely, interesting, complicated man', before adding that there could be no better tribute than the repeat of the first ever episode of Only Fools and Horses. Trevor Peacock - Jim Trott Known for his catchphrase of "no-no-no-no-no", council member Jim once lost on Deal or No Deal because of his stuttering. Jim did have a wife but he was always flirting with the vicar, then proposed to her in the final episode. Actor Trevor Peacock, who appeared in all 20 episodes, has also appeared in My Family, Hotel Babylon and Jonathan Creek. He also played Alfie Moon's war veteran pal Sid in an episode of EastEnders. Trevor has two famous acting sons; Daniel Peacock who played 'Mental Mickey' in Only Fools and Horses, and Harry who was in Toast of London. Sadly, Trevor was diagnosed with dementia in 2009, but he stayed strong and appeared in the 2015 Vicar of Dibley Comic Relief Special. By 2017 the illness was advanced, so he retired from acting and was living in a nursing home in Yeovil. He later died on 8 March 2021, aged 89. John Bluthal - Frank Pickle Boring Frank was the parish council secretary - and was dubbed 'The Most Boring Man in Britain' in a newspaper headline. His tales about the milkman being 47 minutes late and the pub running out of crisps sent people to sleep. After keeping his sexuality secret for 40 years, Frank bravely announced he was homosexual on the radio, but only Geraldine was listening. Actor John Bluthall had an incredible career with an extensive work in the British theatre as well as TV classics such as Last of the Summer Wine and Casualty. He was also a major film star, having appeared in multiple Carry On films and as various characters in the 1967 version of Bond movie Casino Royale. In 2016 he starred in the Coen brothers hit film Hail, Caesar!, and his final role was in the Daniel Radcliffe movie Jungle. Tragically, John was one of two cast members to die in the same year, and passed away in November 2018 at the age of 89. In an emotional tribute, Dawn penned: "Tons of happy laughs remembered today. Cheeky, naughty, hilarious. Bye darlin' Bluey." James Fleet - Hugo Horton Hugo Horton was the sweet but dim son of the council leader, who was bullied by his cruel father. He finally stood up to his dad by marrying Alice against his father's wishes after Geraldine played Cupid for the couple. Aside from The Vicar of Dibley, James is well-known for playing bumbling Tom in Four Weddings and a Funeral. A star of stage, radio and TV, James has also appeared in Grange Hill, The Bill and starred in the Kevin & Perry Go Large move in 2000 and 2018 film The Spy Who Loved Me. He also appeared in the BBC Three comedy Bad Education, and his Coronation Street character Robbie Sloane was shot dead after kidnapping Carla Connor in 2010. James reprised his role as Hugo for the Christmas special The Vicar Of Dibley in Lockdown and his still bagging big roles, recently starring in Netflix's Bridgerton prequel, Queen Charlotte, as King George III in his elder years. Liz Smith - Letitia Cropley Dibley church organist and Parish council member Letitia Cropley was a popular character during the first series of the show. Known for her strange recipes, including a Marmite cake and Branston Pickle icing, she was dubbed 'The Queen of Cordon Bleurgh' and 'The Dibley Poisoner'. The character died in the 1996 Easter special, in which forgetful Letitia asked almost everyone to take over her role as the Easter bunny as her dying request. The wonderful Liz Smith was part of two iconic British comedy series - The Vicar of Dibley and The Royle Family. She became a household name playing Letitia until the character was killed off, then had us in stitches again in the role of Nana in The Royle Family. In a similar ending to her time on The Vicar of Dibley, Liz's character died during a special episode in 2006. Liz also starred in the first series of Lark Rise to Candleford and was made an MBE in the 2009 New Year's Honours. Heartbreakingly, the veteran TV star died on Christmas Eve 2016 at the age of 95, just days after a repeat of her emotional final The Royle Family episode had aired.
