Despite the romantic denouement which brought popular UK TV series The Vicar Of Dibley to a close on New Year's Day, fans are hoping that the show will go on.
The programme, which stars comedian Dawn French as the religious leader of a small rural community, surpassed all expectations by winning the TV ratings war over the Christmas period. And just hours after Dawn's character walked down the aisle in a triumphant end to the 12-year show, its followers were lobbying the BBC in online chat rooms for a new series.
Given the success of the final two episodes - the last drew 12.3 million viewers, while the Christmas Day instalment had 11.4 million viewers tuning in - there is mounting pressure on the Beeb to revive it.
And although the decision to end the series was a joint one between the cast and writer Richard Curtis of Love Actually fame, Dawn admits that when the moment came she was saddened to leave it all behind. "The Vicar has been a life-affirming show for me, so knowing that we won’t be doing it again and that our little gang will be disbanding left me a bit teary."
While the chances of the series being revived currently look slim - "It's important to remember that the reason so many shows are loved is because they end at the right time and don't get dragged out too long," says a BBC spokesperson - Dibley devotees should not give up hope completely. The Corporation has not ruled out a one-off special. "At some point, Richard and the cast might feel the time is right to bring the vicar back, and the BBC would certainly be open to that possibility. We definitely keep an eye on the national mood," she added.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
