Dawn French has revealed she is reprising The Vicar of Dibley for a one-off special as part of the BBC’s The Big Night In.
The actress, 62, will reprise her iconic role as Reverend Geraldine Granger (later Kennedy) after five years for the fundraiser night which aims to raise money in the fight against coronavirus.
Taking to Twitter on Sunday, the star teased fans with a close-up image of her famous cross necklace, dog collar and black cassock, simply captioning the snap: ‘Hmmm. Somethin interestin this way comes…’
She’s back! Dawn French has revealed she is reprising The Vicar of Dibley for a one-off special as part of the BBC’s Big Night In
Dawn later went on to add: ‘I’m back in the dog collar, back in the vicarage, and back on your telly as part of The Big Night In.
‘Be there, or go to hell. Literally. I have some sway.’
Meanwhile, a BBC spokesperson told The Sun: ‘Until recently the Vicar of Dibley was self-isolating in the confectionary aisle of her local supermarket.
‘But she is now back in her vicarage, from where, on April 23, she will deliver a message of hope.’
Back in the habit: The actress, 62, will reprise her role as Reverend Geraldine Granger (later Kennedy) after five years for the fundraiser night which aims to raise money in the fight against coronavirus
The iconic sitcom ran from 1994 before coming to an end in 2000.
However, the characters made comebacks on several occasions, namely for the show’s 10th and 20th anniversaries and well as for Comic Relief – with the last appearance being in 2015.
Dawn will join a host of other stars taking part in the three-hour live special on Thursday, which will be co-produced by BBC, Comic Relief and Children in Need.
Dawn’s former husband Lenny Henry will host the show alongside Zoe Ball, Paddy McGuinness, Matt Baker and Davina McCall.
Exciting: Taking to Twitter on Sunday, the star teased fans with a close-up image of her famous cross necklace, dog collar and black cassock, simply captioning the snap: ‘Hmmm. Somethin interestin this way comes…’
The star-studded show will feature musical acts, money can’t buy prizes, comedy sketches and lots more surprises on the night.
It will also see Peter Kay making his first TV appearance in two years to appear on the BBC charity show.
While David Walliams and Matt Lucas are set to revive their comedy Little Britain for the one-off special.
The Big Night In, which brings together Children In Need and Comic Relief – will be filmed from home – adhering to all government imposed social distancing rules.
FConfirmed: ‘I’m back in the dog collar, back in the vicarage, and back on your telly as part of The Big Night In. Be there, or go to hell. Literally. I have some sway’
In a statement, Davina, 52, promised a ‘really special evening’, whilst Matt, 42, said it was ‘his honour’ to present the show.
Paddy, 46, added: ‘I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to show my appreciation. Thank you to all the amazing key workers out there and our fantastic NHS.’
Viewers will have the opportunity to donate, should they feel able to do so, to help support vulnerable people of all ages and backgrounds across the UK who will be significantly impacted by the crisis.
Funds raised on the night will be split equally between BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief to provide essential support to local charities, projects and programmes across the UK to help those most in need.
The Big Night In will air live at 7pm on BBC One on Thursday April 23
Tune in: The Big Night In, featuring Paddy McGuinness, Lenny Henry, Zoe Ball, Davina McCall and Matt Baker will air live at 7pm on BBC One on Thursday April 23