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Dawn French Makes Triumphant Return in BBC’s Outrageously Funny New Sitcom Can You Keep a Secret?
By Entertainment Desk January 14, 2026
Comedy legend Dawn French is back on our screens in spectacular fashion with the BBC’s latest sitcom sensation, Can You Keep a Secret? Premiering earlier this month on BBC One and now fully streaming on BBC iPlayer, the six-episode series has already won over viewers with its blend of sharp wit, chaotic family dynamics, and “stupidly hilarious” antics.
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Set against the stunning, rolling landscapes of Somerset, the show marks French’s first major sitcom role since her iconic turn in The Vicar of Dibley—and it’s proving to be worth the wait.
The series, created and written by Simon Mayhew-Archer, centers on the Fendon family—an “oddball” clan living in the fictional village of Colberton (filmed in picturesque locations like Axbridge, Cheddar, and Winscombe). At its heart is matriarch Debbie Fendon, played with ferocious energy by Dawn French.
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Debbie is a domineering grandmother, lawn-bowling enthusiast, and self-appointed family protector who rules her household like a “tinpot dictator.” When her reclusive husband William (brilliantly portrayed by Mark Heap) is mistakenly declared dead after an overdose of medication, Debbie seizes the moment.
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She convinces William to hide in the loft while they claim his life insurance payout—a massive cash windfall stashed in a holdall under the stairs. What follows is an escalating web of lies, near-misses, and outrageous schemes as the family struggles to keep the secret intact.
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The premise delivers plenty of shock value: a retired couple faking a death for financial gain, all while navigating everyday family chaos. But it’s the execution that elevates the show—French’s Debbie channels a wilder, more mischievous version of her Vicar Geraldine, with Heap providing perfect deadpan contrast.
Critics have praised the balance: The Guardian called it a “charming sitcom” with French delivering “kooky hijinks and stupidly hilarious one-liners.” Viewers are binge-watching, raving about the ensemble chemistry and the warm heart beneath the criminal twist.
Filming took place in early 2025 across Somerset’s charming villages, bringing authentic West Country flavor to the screen.
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alamy.com
Locals spotted French in Cheddar, and the production captures idyllic rural settings that contrast hilariously with the Fendons’ high-stakes fraud.
French has spoken about her excitement: she was won over by the script’s “beautiful heart” alongside the laughs. The supporting cast—including Mandip Gill and Craig Roberts—adds tension and relatable panic.
As 2026 kicks off, Can You Keep a Secret? stands out as a feel-good escape packed with shocking twists and laugh-out-loud moments. Stream the full series on BBC iPlayer now!
