Dawn French pays teary tribute to Emma Chambers in Vicar of Dibley In Lockdown

Virgin Radio

15 Dec 2020, 14:46

Dawn French has had fans sobbing as she remembered her late co-star Emma Chambers during The Vicar of Dibley in Lockdown.

As Geraldine Granger, viewers watched in tears as she paid tribute to the character’s ‘best friend' and 'love of her life' Alice Tinker, following the actress’ sudden death in February 2018. 

The infamous vicar explained in the show: “Because Dibley is so full of life but everywhere I go now, if I'm standing in my kitchen, if I go into the vestry, it's always little Alice Tinker I see. 

“And she died, three years ago this week. Who is the person I've most loved in my life? Well I'm very fond of my handsome husband, but in the end it's got to be her. My own darling dumb blonde.

“She had one husband, six children and three brain cells. But so much love in her heart she could defrost a frozen pizza on a winter's day. She wasn't the brightest bulb in the box but when we lost her, all our lights went out.”

She said: “I believe in eternal life in heaven but I also believe in eternal life on earth, because those who die are eternally here, alive in our memories and in who we are, because of how they changed us.

“So message for today, love the ones you're with especially today in these hardest of times and God bless you all.”

One fan wrote: "She was seriously the sweetest and most adorable part of The Vicar of Dibley.”

Another commented: “Too many losses for such a phenomenal cast.”

A viewer added: "A very touching and beautiful tribute... made us smile, giggle and cry. Very moving.”

Dawn later shared a heartbreaking picture with Emma on the show, writing: “Miss her. And all those we've lost... #lovetheonesyourewith.”