‘My kids are my GREATEST PLEASURE'

As The Vicar of Dibley returns, Dawn French shares the lessons she’s learnt as a mum

- HAYLEY MINN

Dawn French is back this Christmas in the BBC’s The Vicar of Dibley in Lockdown, with special episodes that focus on Geraldine Granger delivering sermons via Zoom.

The 63-year-old actor, comedian, and writer have revealed the show will focus on the pandemic and ‘pay tribute to those who aren’t with us anymore’ – including the late Emma Chambers, who played verger Alice Tinker. She says, ‘Dibley has always been able to wrap its arms around the truth as well as being silly and funny.’

Geraldine doesn’t have children, but Dawn is mother to her adopted daughter Billie, 29, with ex-husband Lenny Henry, while second husband, charity executive Mark Bignell – who she married in 2013 – has grown-up children Lily, 29, and Olly, 26.

Here, Dawn opens up about how her children are her ‘greatest pleasure’.