Feature
CRAIC OF DAWN
The Vicar of Dibley’s most hilarious moments as beloved BBC sitcom returns with Christmas special miniseries
THE Vicar of Dibley is one of Britain's most beloved sitcoms - and fans are no doubt thrilled for it's return at Christmas.
The BBC comedy follows bubbly vicar and chocoholic Geraldine Granger - played by Dawn French - who lives and preaches in the fictional village of Dibley, Oxfordshire.
7
And this festive season, there will be three, 10-minute episodes spread over the Christmas period, with a 30-minute compilation show of all three sermons also airing during the holiday season on the BBC.
Geraldine will make her rib-tickling return in the midst of two lockdowns - an all too familiar scenario in real life - during which she has been writing and delivering her sermons online via Zoom.
They feature a funny balance of technical mishaps as well as her thoughts and feelings on lockdown life - and chocolate.
She enlists the help of Hugo Horton, played by James Fleet, as well as primary school children, to discuss important topics such as home made wine and home hair-cuts with Owen Newitt.
But before we can get too excited over the upcoming festive installment, we think it's time to take a look back at some of the show's funniest moments.
1. The Easter Bunny
7
Following the death of Letitia Cropley, Geraldine takes up the mantle of becoming the village’s secret Easter Bunny.
Attempting to remain incognito, she slips out early in the morning dressed in her costume to drop off chocolate eggs around the village while narrowly avoiding being ran over by the milkman and being shot by a local farmer.
However, she soon learns with hilarious it's not just her Mrs Cropley has asked to keep up the tradition but rather half the town.
2. Sean Bean Saves The Day
7
After accepting a bizarre marriage proposal from stuffy David Horton, Geraldine has anxiety-induced dreams about their possible wedding day.
Standing beside David, the vicar's infamous sweet tooth is reflected in her Celebrations-covered coif while Alice sports a tiara made of Crunchies in the pews.
And while it seems her nightmare is coming true, none other than actor Sean Bean barges into the church and stops her from saying 'I do'.
As she is about to run off with the Hollywood star, she wakes in a cold sweat and insists she can't marry David.
3. Alice and Hugo’s wedding
7
Lovebirds Alice and Hugo's big day had everything you could possibly want - a singalong to the Spice Girls' hit 2-become-1, Hula Hoop rings and a peroxide blonde Gerry.
Did we mention someone also wrongfully claimed Hugo was already married?
4. The Greatest Story Ever Told
7
The vicar tries to convince her parishioners that the nativity really was the greatest story ever told despite their other examples.
The story of the birth of Jesus has some tough competition from an urban legend, Beatrix Potter and a rather unfortunate tale of some burglars put toothbrushes up their bottoms.
Oh, and Geraldine getting "bonked like a beach ball" by Owen.
5. I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
7
The vicar and Alice once again chew the fat about life's bigger problems, specifically the great debate of whether or not the spread I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, is, in fact, butter.
Butter lover Geraldine tells Alice the answer to her problem is to eat not butter, or I Can't Believe It's Not Butter, but clotted cream instead. That's why she's in charge.
6. Puddle Jumping
7
It's possibly the most iconic scene in all of the series, so much so it's become a much-loved meme 21 years since the episode first aired.
Nothing more to say other than it's simply comedy gold.
Most read in TV
Meanwhile, Vicar of Dibley loyals will appreciate the reference to loveable Alice Tinker, played by Emma Chambers in the upcoming specials.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
The actress sadly passed away aged 53, in 2018, and bosses have vowed she is "still an important presence in the village".
The new episodes will air after repeat showings of The Vicar of Dibley episodes on BBC One over Christmas. Season one is currently available on BBC iPlayer.
Topics