Speaking for the first time since the news of her split from Lenny Henry, Dawn French said that the couple have become "the best of friends".

She told a Radio Times interviewer: "Remarkably, we seem to have shifted with relative ease from a 25-year marriage to a lasting friendship.

"I am amazed by us - there is no war, we have turned out to be the best of friends."

The comedians – who have an adopted daughter - separated last October.

But they kept their break up private for another six months.

Fifty-two-year-old Dawn also confirmed that she and Lenny, 51, tried therapy about ten years ago – a process which led them to address secrets in their relationship.

"I think everybody has to do that; empty your drawers out.

"I always want to empty my drawers. I like it that I am open".