Dawn French has shocked fans by discussing her funeral plans and the heartbreaking real-life story behind her new project. The legendary comedian, 68, opened up about her new novel 'Enough', which explores end-of-life decisions, and revealed why she would never appear on Strictly Come Dancing.
Avoiding Strictly at All Costs
French, best known for her roles in 'The Vicar of Dibley' and 'French and Saunders', admitted that sequins terrify her. She recalled a painful incident at a wrap party for the show that left her with a displaced hip after dancing to Shakira's 'Hips Don't Lie'. 'The sequins freak me out,' she said, vowing never to take part in the BBC dance competition. She added: 'I don't want to have sex with all the boys. I don't want to lose my marriage! Also, I don't want to stand in front of Craig Revel Horwood.'
The Inspiration Behind 'Enough'
French's new novel follows Etta, a 68-year-old woman who gathers her family to reveal she has decided to end her life. The book, which includes a trigger warning and a link to The Samaritans, was influenced by her father's suicide when she was 19. 'The challenge I have set myself is to talk about big, scary stuff, but infuse it with some kind of hope,' French said. She described the book as 'life-affirming' and about control and love, rather than assisted dying.
Writing Process and Personal Reflections
French admitted she did not know the ending of the novel until she wrote it, climbing into the character to see what would happen. She found recording the audiobook more emotional than writing it. Reflecting on her own mortality, she said: 'I lost my mum at 77 and I watched my mates fall off the perch in their 70s. But I would like to still be going at 170.'
Memorable Kisses: Hugh Grant and Brad Pitt
French reminisced about her famous Comic Relief kiss with Hugh Grant in 1995, which raised £1 million. She revealed they kissed for half an hour during a news break. She also recalled a chance encounter with Brad Pitt at The Ivy in London, where she persuaded him to kiss her on the cheek after passing a note to director Terry Gilliam. 'Obviously I was pregnant as soon as he kissed me,' she joked.
Life Now and Future Plans
French lives with her husband, charity executive Mark Bignell, in a five-bedroom Victorian villa near the Devon-Cornwall border. She continues to record podcasts with Jennifer Saunders, perform stand-up tours, and write novels. 'The writing part is where my heart is happiest,' she said. 'I know now I am a functioning introvert.'
When asked what she would like people to say at her funeral, French laughed: 'That I am very good in bed. I am an excellent sleeper. Or they can say I was a t**t. I would own and live it.'
Dawn French's new novel 'Enough' is released on Thursday.
