‘The Vicar of Dibley’ protagonist Geraldine Granger is to become a bishop.
The comedy character – played by Dawn French – is to return for a one-off episode of the classic sitcom for Comic Relief, which will follow her fight to be consecrated Britain’s first female bishop against stiff competition from other famous faces.
A source linked to the production told the Daily Mail newspaper: "Dawn’s character assumes she is a shoo-in to become the Bishop of Dibley but the joke is that there are some very unexpected names in the frame. Some big names have been cast as the rivals but to name them would give away the joke."
The 57-year-old actress has been spotted shooting the ‘Bishop of Dibley’ special at several locations in Central London in the past few days, including the Inner Temple.
The hilarious BBC programme – which began in 1994 – addressed the topic of female bishops in a 2013 sketch, and Dawn has previously expressed her wish to film something honouring the move to allow women to hold the religious position.
In 2008, she said: "All I am saying is that Richard [Curtis, writer] has got his eye on the ball.
"There are conversations, obviously, in the Anglican Church about female bishops – so watch this space!"
The BBC has yet to reveal further details of the plot, but the sketch will air on March 13 as part of the charity fundraiser’s BBC telethon.
BBC spokesman said: "I can confirm there’s going to be a Dibley sketch for Red Nose Day on Friday, 13 March, but I can’t confirm anything further or provide any more detail at this stage."
Vicar of Dibley star to become bishop
