Dawn French has confirmed she will be working with Jennifer Saunders on multiple projects this year, but the comedian insists she has learned to decline any offers she does not wish to accept. At 68, French says age has given her the confidence to turn down certain professional opportunities.
“You learn to say no – and you really need to say no. You don’t have to people-please quite so much any more,” she explained. However, collaborating with her long-time comedy partner Jennifer remains a joy for both her and their fans. The duo have previously performed tours and six series of their television show together.
Dawn revealed: “We’re still in talks to take the [Titting About] podcast on the road. I’m definitely persuadable on that front. But… Jennifer and I are going to be doing panto together this Christmas! At the London Palladium. We’re playing the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella! It will be naughtier than anything I’ve ever done, partly because Julian Clary will be playing the Fairy Godmother and everything he says is loaded with innuendo.”
In addition to panto and potential tours, French has been busy promoting her new novel, Enough, which tackles the challenging subjects of ageing, mortality, and end-of-life decisions. Speaking to Good Housekeeping UK, she said: “My motivation was writing about something that would frighten me. And the idea of getting older, of being vulnerable, of no longer being independent – those things are all daunting.”
She reflected on leaving loved ones behind: “I have my daughter, Billie [with former husband Lenny Henry] and two stepkids [via her husband, Mark Bignell], one of whom has a young daughter. My grandchild has this innocent belief that life is wonderful, but I feel extremely troubled by everything. The world seems hopeless right now.”
In line with her book’s themes, French also expressed her support for legalising assisted dying. The former Vicar of Dibley star stated: “It’s a no-brainer, really, as long as all the correct protocols are in place, everybody’s permission is given and it’s for all the right reasons. I just don’t get why we haven’t approved it in this country. It feels merciless to me not to.”
The full interview with Dawn French appears in the latest issue of Good Housekeeping UK, available now.
Samaritans can be contacted for free, day or night, 365 days a year, on 116 123, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
