Prayers of 'Vicar Of Dibley' fans are answered

January 3, 2007Jan 3, 2007, 11:00 PM GMT

When the BBC told Vicar Of Dibley fans they would have to bid farewell to their beloved series, many found the news hard to bear. So the BBC's announcement that Dawn French's character would be returning to our screens for a one-off special will no doubt have been met with enthusiasm.

Insiders at the Beeb have confessed they were overwhelmed by the response when it was decided to cancel the long-running comedy. Some 13 million people tuned in to see the last episode on New Year's Day, making it the festive season's most popular broadcast.

The writer behind the series, Richard Curtis, has disclosed that viewers will be given another chance to enjoy the gentle vicar's company, though. "I can reveal that there is going to be one more episode of Vicar Of Dibley," he said. "If people are really worried, there is something coming on March 16."

The one-off special will be broadcast as part of the UK's annual Comic Relief telethon.

Dawn French, seen here in character with co-star Emma Chambers, has filled the title role in the much-loved series for 12 years. Although the show has now come to an end, the comedian and her cast mates will return for one more episode, to be screened in MarchPhoto: © BBC

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