‘IT FELT WONDERFUL TO BE HUGGED – I HADN'T TOUCHED ANYONE IN SO LONG!'
OK! UK|January 04, 2021
ACTING LEGEND DAWN FRENCH ON THE JOYS OF FILMING A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL WITH ROB BRYDON THEIR SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP AND THE PERILS OF WORKING WITH ANIMALS
JENNY RODGER
‘IT FELT WONDERFUL TO BE HUGGED – I HADN'T TOUCHED ANYONE IN SO LONG!'
Dawn French is a national treasure and one of the funniest British women ever to grace our screens. So what better way to spend Christmas than in the company of such a star? The French & Saunders legend will be appearing in not one, but two festive specials – a Vicar Of Dibley reboot and the new Sky One drama, Roald & Beatrix: The Tail Of The Curious Mouse, a fact-based story of when the six-year-old Roald Dahl met his heroine, Beatrix Potter.

According to the 63-year-old actress, who plays Beatrix, the drama was a delight to shoot. As well as a cast of cuddly animals, which Dawn described as a “joy” to work with, an array of showbiz legends, including Rob Brydon, Strictly sensation Bill Bailey and Alison Steadman, were also involved.

The end result – a heartwarming, magical tale about two authors following their dreams – is sure to be one of the top TV treats of 2020 when it airs on Christmas Eve.

Here, Dawn tells OK! all about the new show, the problems of working with pigs, and the rather unexpected perks of filming during a pandemic…

Dawn, the show sounds delightful. What can you tell us about it?

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM OK! UKView all
A CITY OF TWO HALVES
OK! UK

A CITY OF TWO HALVES

There's a holiday for every budget to be found in Dubai, as OK!'s Faith Richardson discovered

time-read
3 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'Christmas is a double whammy'
OK! UK

'Christmas is a double whammy'

Chef James Martin on the pressures of dividing his time between his restaurants and his family over the festivities

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
OK! UK

LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF

The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for people-pleasers who struggle to put their own needs first

time-read
3 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'There's a bit of faking it until you make it'
OK! UK

'There's a bit of faking it until you make it'

Actor Paul Mescal on entering the Gladiator II arena, building a blockbuster body for his role as fighter Lucius Verus, and heading up an A-list cast of Hollywood's finest stars

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
THE A-LIST HAIL HOLLYWOOD'S BIG HITTERS
OK! UK

THE A-LIST HAIL HOLLYWOOD'S BIG HITTERS

A line-up of the film world's best-known faces attended this year's Governors Awards to celebrate lifetime achievements

time-read
4 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'I think we arrived right on time'
OK! UK

'I think we arrived right on time'

The stars of the long-awaited film Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, tell us why its themes are so relevant right now and why the musical is so dear to their hearts

time-read
6 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'No one knows who I am'
OK! UK

'No one knows who I am'

Having first found fame on social media, GK Barry has become the breakout star of this year's I'm A Celebrity

time-read
5 mins  |
December 02, 2024
'I still pinch myself about how we met'
OK! UK

'I still pinch myself about how we met'

Now legally married, MAFS Uk’s Adam and Tayah Aveling are looking forward to Christmas with their daughter and welcoming baby number two in 2025

time-read
7 mins  |
December 02, 2024
THE ROYAL WEEK
OK! UK

THE ROYAL WEEK

It was a sad week for Queen Camilla, but a good week for the royal family’s charities with visits to hospitals and homeless centres

time-read
2 mins  |
December 02, 2024
WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
OK! UK

WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS

After a challenging year for the royal family, the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to give their children an unforgettable time filled with fun and festivities

time-read
6 mins  |
December 02, 2024