IT’S officially 30 years since The Vicar of Dibley blessed our screens, with Dawn French playing Geraldine Grainger.
The beloved sitcom series launched on BBC television in November 1994, pulling in millions of viewers.
It ran for just three series but is still fondly remembered to this day, including its star-studded cast.
As it celebrates its major milestone, streamer NOW are releasing an episode an day, including never before seen footage.
Though the majority of them have now died, they went on to have fruitful careers after The Vicar of Dibley ended.
Dawn French
Dawn, now 67, was the star of the BBC series, playing Dibley’s new vicar as she struggled to win over the locals.
While the programme was on air Dawn was married to comedian Lenny Henry, though the separated in 2010. She wed her second husband Mark Bignell in 2013.
The actress has starred in a number of shows, including with Jennifer Saunders in French and Saunders.
Dawn also lost an incredible 7.5 stone after weight loss surgery, prompted by a cancer scare. She later spoke candidly about gaining weight again, admitting she couldn’t “give a f***”.
James Fleet
James played the role of Hugo Horton, who was Gary Waldhorn’s on-screen son. Viewers watched him defy his father’s wishes and marry Alice after being matched by Geraldine.
Now 72, James is also best known for his role in smash-hit movie Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Since the Vicar of Dibley, James has also starred in Grange Hill, The Bill and Coronation Street.
Most recently he was part of Netflix’s Bridgerton prequel Queen Charlotte.
Gary Waldhorn
Gary was already working in television and theatre prior to joining The Vicar of Dibley.
He played the village’s Parish and District Councillor David Horton, who was father to Hugo.
The stern character was eventually won over by Gerladine, despite initial reservations about her.
Sadly Gary died in January 2022 at the age of 78, leaving the showbiz world in mourning.
His son Josh paid tribute to him, writing: “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.’”
Before his death, Gary also starred in Heartbeat, The Sweeney and The Bill.
Emma Chambers
Emma’s death in 2018 from a suspected heart attack left her fans and former co-stars stunned.
The talented actress played the role of Alice Horton in the BBC sitcom, who married her second cousin once removed Hugo.
Her hilarious character was once described as having the “intellectual capacity and charisma of a cactus”.
Emma scooped the gong for her talents back in 1998, winning the British Comedy Award for Best Actress.
Fans may also remember she played Hugh Grant’s on-screen sister in Notting Hill in 1999.
Rodger Lloyd-Pack
Rodger’s character Owen also formed part of the Parish Council in Dibley and was seen as a ladies man and charmer.
He is also fondly remembered for his role as Trigger in Only Fools and Horses, starring alongside Sir David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst.
The actor also held roles in The Catherine Tate Show, The Bill and Doc Martin.
Rodger passed away a decade ago at the age of 69 due to pancreatic cancer.
Trevor Peacock
Playing the lovable Jim Trott, Trevor was highly regarded as a fan-favourite of the BBC sitcom.
His flirtations exchanges with the vicar finally ended in a proposal during the show’s final ever episode.
Trevor is also father to actors Daniel and Harry Peacock and also starred in Only Fools and Horses.
He sadly passed away in 2021 at the age of 89, having been diagnosed with Dementia in 2009.
Best BBC comedies
We look back at some of the best to ever grace the screen.
Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) – Only two series were made of the beloved institution. However, the cultural impact of the series starring John Cleese and Connie Booth spans decades. It follows rude and intolerant Basil Fawlty (Cleese) as he attempts to improve the reputation of his hotel.
Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003) – The show was crowned by some as the best British sitcom of all time by a TV poll in 2004. Seven series were broadcast on BBC until 1991 with additional sporadic Christmas specials airing until 2003. Sir David Jason starred as ambitious market trader Derek “Del Boy” Trotter whilst Nicholas Lyndhurst played his younger half-brother Rodney. Set in working-class Peckham in south-east London, it follows the highs and lows of the lives of the Trotters’, in particular their brazen attempts to get rich.
Blackadder (1983 – 1989) – Four series were made of the iconic show, created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson. Each series spans a different historical period as anti-hero Edmund Blackadder (Atkinson) tries to better himself in each society. Accompanied by his dogsbody Baldrick (Tony Robinson), trouble always ensues. A TV poll in 2004 found that Blackadder was voted the second-best British sitcom of all time
Absolutely Fabulous (1992 – 2012) – Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley star as failing PR guru Edina ‘Eddie’ Monsoon and alcoholic fashionista Patsy Stone. The pair embark on heavy-drinking sessions and abuse drugs in a desperate attempt to stay ‘hip’. Eddie constantly chases bizarre fads and fails to lose weight whilst her disappointed and neglected daughter Saffy (Julia Sawalha) looks on.
Little Britain (2003 – 2006) – The premise is simple. A sketch show which features different British people from all walks of life that are engaged in all sorts of comical scenarios. Starring Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the pair created iconic pop culture characters. Viewers loved obnoxious council estate teenager Vicky Pollard, morbidly obese scrounger Bubbles Devere, slimming coach Marjorie Dawes, despondent office worker Carol Beer, disgraced politician Sir Norman Fry, of course the iconic Lou and Andy!
The Catherine Tate Show (2004-2015) – A sketch show starring the likes of Catherine Tate. She made iconic characters such as rowdy schoolgirl Lauren Cooper with her line ‘Am I bovvered?’. Other characters featured Bernie the nurse, the aga saga woman, complaining couple Janice and Ray, and of course her infamous ‘Nan’, Joannie Taylor. The last character herself spawned multiple specials and even a movie.
Gavin and Stacey (2007 – Present) The series tells the story of Gavin (Matthew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page). The pair embarked on an online and telephone romance for six months. But when they finally decide to be together properly, their friends and family get in the way. Ruth Jones and James Corden created the beloved show, which has been going for over a decade. The 2019 Christmas special was the most-watched comedy in 17 years and the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade.
