The Vicar of Dibley among classic comedies coming to BBC iPlayer

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC
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From Digital Spy

The Vicar of Dibley, Blackadder and The Catherine Tate Show are among the classic comedy boxsets being made available on BBC iPlayer in the coming weeks.

In great news for fans of Britain's most iconic comedy shows, you'll be able to watch every episode of Richard Curtis' popular sitcom The Vicar of Dibley from tomorrow (October 24). Starring Dawn French as the titular vicar, Reverend Geraldine Granger, the show spans a range of series and specials from 1994 to 2007.

Also arriving tomorrow is family sitcom The Royle Family, about an ordinary TV-loving family from Manchester. Starring Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston, Caroline Aherne, Ralf Little and Craig Cash, the show originally ran from 1998 to 2000 and also filmed five specials.

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

Related: The Vicar Of Dibley's Dawn French on why she turned down Strictly Come Dancing

Sketch show The Catherine Tate Show will also have every episode added tomorrow. Featuring comedian and actress Tate as a host of popular characters, including foul-mouthed Nan and stroppy teenager Lauren, the show birthed iconic catchphrases like "Am I bovvered?" and co-starred Gavin & Stacey actor Mathew Horne.

There's more on the way too, as on November 12 viewers will be able to watch every episode of chaotic Kathy Burke comedy Gimme Gimme Gimme. Starring Burke as loud-mouthed Linda La Hughes and James Dreyfus as her actor flatmate Tom Farrell, the show ran from 1999 to 2001.

On November 14, we can take a comedic journey through history with every season of Blackadder, starring Rowan Atkinson. Each season is set in a different historical time period, from the Middle Ages to the First World War, with Atkinson always starring as different incarnations of Edmund Blackadder, who is a member of the Blackadder dynasty.

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

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Controller of BBC iPlayer Dan McGolpin said of the new additions: "On BBC iPlayer you can enjoy some of the best comedies ever alongside many fantastic new series.

"You'll now be able to put your feet up and relax in the company of Geraldine Granger, Jim Royle, Lauren Cooper and Baldrick. Whoever you are, there's a comedy for you with a bigger selection than ever before on BBC iPlayer."

These series join the likes of classic comedy series Gavin & Stacey, French and Saunders, The Thick of It and The Kumars at No.42, all of which already have boxsets available on iPlayer.


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