Classic Vicar of Dibley scenes celebrated with a new set of commemorative stamps from Royal Mail
by Kerri-Ann Roper and Hannah Roberts PA Reporters · ChronicleLiveRoyal Mail is launching a set of 12 stamps honouring the BBC comedy series, The Vicar of Dibley. Fans will be treated to eight stamps featuring iconic scenes from the popular sitcom, such as the cameo by the former ballerina Dame Darcey Bussell.
An additional four stamps are bundled in a miniature sheet portraying a typical Dibley Parish Council gathering.
The Vicar of Dibley, which saw Dawn French in the role of the chocolate-loving Reverend Geraldine Granger, initially aired for three seasons from 1994 until 2000 and returned with four special episodes between 2004 and 2007.
David Gold, Royal Mail’s Director of External Affairs and Policy, praised the show: "The superb writing and the warmth and idiosyncrasies of its characters made The Vicar of Dibley one of the most loved TV comedies of all time.
"We celebrate the series with new stamps revisiting some of the show’s classic moments."
Created by writer Richard Curtis, The Vicar of Dibley was inspired following the Church of England’s historic decision in 1993 to permit the ordination of women priests. The series followed Dawn French's character, Granger, stepping into her role in the make-believe village of Dibley in Oxfordshire.
It documents her journey as she settles into village life among the local eccentrics, including the likes of parish councillor Jim Trott, played by Trevor Peacock, and the nave church verger, Alice Tinker, portrayed by Emma Chambers.
The Royal Mail has unveiled a commemorative set of stamps celebrating the iconic moments from the much-loved BBC sitcom 'The Vicar of Dibley'. Two second-class stamps have been released, capturing the unforgettable wedding of Hugo Horton (played by James Fleet) and Alice, as well as the scenario where Geraldine pushes David Horton (portrayed by Gary Waldhorn) to crack a smile upon hearing the pregnancy news of Alice and Hugo.
Geraldine's infamous leap into a deep puddle and her attempts to relay a joke to Alice over tea in the vestry are immortalized on the first-class stamps. Moreover, £1 stamps depict Frank Pickle (played by John Bluthal) and Owen Newitt (by Roger Lloyd-Pack) performing in the Dibley Christmas show, accompanied by another stamp showing Jim inscribing his trademark "No, no, no, no, no" to silently communicate around the baby.
Stamps valued at £2.80 showcase another renowned scene: Geraldine leading a dance routine with Dame Darcey, and a humorous moment when she tastes a sandwich crafted by Letitia Cropley (acted by Liz Smith). French's comedic vicar married the dashing Harry Kennedy, portrayed by Richard Armitage, in the last full-length episode which aired on New Year's Day in 2007.
Although ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ officially concluded, it remained in hearts through Comic Relief sketches and mini-episodes, including three brief "sermons" aired amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
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