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Dawn French returns as Geraldine Granger in first look at 'Vicar of Dibley' revival

James Fleet and Dawn French are bringing back their 'Vicar of Dibley' characters. (BBC/Tiger Aspect Productions Ltd/Des Willie)
James Fleet and Dawn French are bringing back their 'Vicar of Dibley' characters. (BBC/Tiger Aspect Productions Ltd/Des Willie)

The BBC has teased the return of The Vicar of Dibley for its three-part Christmas special with a snap of Dawn French alongside castmate James Fleet.

Fleet played the well meaning but inept Hugo Horton opposite French's Geraldine Granger in the original BBC series.

The upcoming specials will consist of three 10 minute episodes of the vicar as she chats to her Dibley parishioners.

Watch: Dawn French brings back the Vicar of Dibley in lockdown

Earlier this week when it was announced French would reprise the character, she said: “Back in the dog collar, back in Dibley and back on your telly at Xmas. I couldn’t be happier. Bless you.”

Read more: Dawn French reveals why she wouldn’t do Strictly Come Dancing

As well having some help from Hugo, Geraldine is set to be joined by local primary school children too.

It's the second time the much-loved character has been brought back this year after French donned the dog collar in April for charity TV fundraiser The Big Night In.

The original series ran for two seasons between 1994 and 1998 and producing 10 specials as well as six Comic Relief skits.

Dawn French in a 'Vicar of Dibley' Comic Relief special alongside the late Emma Chambers and guest star Sting. (Photo by Comic Relief/Getty images)
Dawn French in a 'Vicar of Dibley' Comic Relief special alongside the late Emma Chambers and guest star Sting. (Photo by Comic Relief/Getty images)

Many of the show's original cast members have passed away in recent years. Emma Chambers, who played verger Alice Horton, died in 2018 from a heart attack aged 53.

In November of the same year, Frank Pickle star John Bluthal passed away at the age of 89.

Four years prior in January 2014 Roger Lloyd-Pack, who played Owen Newitt, died aged 69 from pancreatic cancer.

Watch: Dawn French shares her favourite memories of late co-star Emma Chambers