What Was Unusual About The Vicar Of Dibley?

In the first episode of this sitcom in 1994, parishioners of the imaginary village of Dibley are astonished – and horrified – to discover that their eagerly-awaited new vicar is in fact a woman. ("These are such a giveaway, aren't they?" says new incumbent Geraldine Granger, pointing nonchalantly at her huge breasts.) After an early attempt to oust her, the parish are gradually won over, as was the public. Played by Dawn French, Geraldine became one of Britain's best-loved comedy characters; her portrayal of the warm-hearted chocaholic vicar, who keeps pictures of Jesus and Elvis in her room and refers to them as "my boys," was wholly convincing. She is aided by a cast of eccentrics including: sardonic David Horton (Gary Waldhorn); his bullied son Hugo (James Fleet); confused Frank Pickle (John Bluthal); lecherous farmer Owen (Roger Lloyd); and half-witted verger Alice (Emma Chambers )who never quite understands Geraldine's jokes but gives her a bewildered loyalty.