British Comedy Guide
The Vicar Of Dibley. Geraldine Grainger (Dawn French). Copyright: Tiger Aspect Productions
The Vicar Of Dibley

The Vicar Of Dibley

  • TV sitcom
  • BBC One
  • 1994 - 2020
  • 20 episodes (3 series)

Comedy about a small, backward rural village and its female vicar, Geraldine Grainger. Stars Dawn French, Emma Chambers, Gary Waldhorn, James Fleet, John Bluthal and more.

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Series 2, Episode 2 - Celebrity Vicar

Following the success of Radio Dibley, the Vicar finds herself becoming somewhat of a minor celebrity, appearing across radio, TV, newspapers and even glossy magazines. It soon appears that Geraldine is neglecting her parish in pursuit of arrogant fame - is it time for her to leave Dibley?

Further details

The annual Valentine's gala night is creeping up quickly, but the council can't agree on a date for it - it looks like November 23rd may be the first free evening.

Harder still is the decision of what to include in the show. Jim has been inspired by the film The Full Monty and wants to do a complete strip, the prospect of which fills everyone with horror. Owen has a trusty trick up his sleeve: his "amazing farting duck"; meanwhile, Frank has some very dull impressions he wants to perform, such as his cousin both before and after his tonsillectomy!

Following the success of Radio Dibley, Geraldine is invited to join Terry Wogan as guest for Radio 4's Pause For Thought. Her appearance on the show sparks an avalance of accolades and fame, and she soon finds herself taking part in many other programmes, including Any Questions, Countdown, and Noel's House Party - where the game "Find the Vicar's Knickers" was a particular success!

After showing initial caution and restraint, Geri's attitude to her new-found fame is soon all too casual and, at times, arrogant. The villagers express disappointment as she appears to devote more time to fashion shoots than she does to her parish.

To compound matters, a journalist writing a piece on the Vicar asks the villagers for anecdotes, and a very different series of articles appear in the national press: Hugo is dubbed "Rich as Croesus, thick as shit"; Frank "No, no, no, no, no brain"; and Owen "Britain's B.O. King".

Just as it looks like Geraldine will be forced to tender her resignation and leave Dibley for good, Alice devises a plan that's sure to win back the parishoners' favour, plus a nice sum toward a village nursery. It all hinges on a chance meeting with ballet star Darcey Bussell and the upcoming gala night...

Broadcast details

Date
Thursday 15th January 1998
Time
8:30pm
Channel
BBC One
Length
30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Dawn French Geraldine Grainger
Emma Chambers Alice Tinker
Gary Waldhorn David Horton
James Fleet Hugo Horton
John Bluthal Frank Pickle
Trevor Peacock Jim Trott
Roger Lloyd Pack Owen Newitt
Guest cast
Charlotte Palmer Autograph Lady
Terry Wogan Self (Voice)
Darcey Bussell Self
Writing team
Richard Curtis Writer
Paul Mayhew-Archer Writer
Emma Freud Script Editor
Production team
Dewi Humphreys Director
Jon Plowman Producer
Sue Vertue Producer
Richard Curtis Executive Producer
Peter Bennett-Jones Executive Producer
Chris Wadsworth Editor
Andrew Howe-Davies Production Designer
Howard Goodall Composer

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