Royal Mail stamps celebrate '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'

Royal Mail is launching a collection of 12 stamps in honour of the beloved BBC comedy series The Vicar of Dibley.

Showcasing eight stamps that capture some of the most iconic scenes from the hit sitcom, this special issue even includes Dame Darcey Bussell's memorable cameo. Additionally, a miniature sheet with four stamps presents moments from a typical Dibley Parish Council meeting.

Starring Dawn French as the lovable Reverend Geraldine Granger with an affection for chocolate, The Vicar of Dibley enjoyed immense popularity with three series airing from 1994 to 2000 and subsequent specials up until 2007.

David Gold, Royal Mail’s director of external affairs and policy, said: "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 Richard Curtis after the Church of England greenlit the ordination of women in 1993, the sitcom follows the story of Reverend Granger upon her arrival as vicar in the fictional village of Dibley. It delves into her life among an assorted bunch of local residents, featuring characters like the dithering parish councillor Jim Trott, portrayed by Trevor Peacock, and the church verger Alice Tinker, brought to life by Emma Chambers.

Fans will be delighted to find two second-class stamps capturing Geraldine at Hugo Horton (James Fleet) and Alice's chaotic wedding, and another where she coaxes a smile from David Horton (Gary Waldhorn) upon hearing the news of Alice and Hugo's baby on the way.

First-class stamps feature the unforgettable scene of Geraldine leaping into a massive puddle and her trying to crack a joke with Alice in the vestry over tea. The collection also includes £1 stamps showcasing Frank Pickle (John Bluthal) and Owen Newitt (Roger Lloyd-Pack) in the Dibley Christmas show, and one with Jim penning his famous line: "No, no, no, no, no" to keep quiet around Alice and Hugo’s newborn.

The £2.80 stamps pay homage to Geraldine leading a dance routine with Dame Darcey and sampling one of Letitia Cropley's (Liz Smith) unique sandwiches. French's character, the hilarious vicar, married the dashing Harry Kennedy, portrayed by Richard Armitage, in the last full-length episode aired on New Year’s Day in 2007.

Although the series concluded, it continued to entertain with Comic Relief sketches and mini-episodes, including three short "sermons" during the Covid-19 pandemic.