Dawn French dumped by Terrys

The Vicar of Dibley star Dawn French has been dropped as the face of Terry's Chocolate Orange. The comedian, who made the chocolate's "It's not Terry's, it's mine" catch-phrase famous has been promoting the brand for ten years.

Terry's say: "After such a long partnership we feel that the campaign has run its course and we are in the process of developing different work. It's been a difficult decision to end the partnership with Dawn and we would like to extend our sincere thanks and wish her continued success in her fabulous career."

Although Terry's deny it, advertising experts are speculating the reason the chocolatiers no longer want French to front their adverts is that the large comedian "no longer presents the right image for the company in the current climate of concerns over obesity and health."

Dawn French was recently in the news as she has revealed that, despite being currently healthy, she believes that she will die young and intends to move to Cornwall so that she can spend the rest of her life there.

The comedian is set to return to TV screens on Friday 7th September for a new series with long-term collaborator Jennifer Saunders. A Bucket of French and Saunders will feature classic clips from the duo's previous work as well as new sketches parodying the likes of Britney Spears, Simon Cowell, Alan Sugar and Amy Winehouse.