Dawn French’s much-anticipated sitcom featuring Doctor Who favourite releases first look at comedy “we can all relate to”

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The BBC has shared a sneak peek at upcoming comedy series, Can You Keep a Secret?, starring Dawn French. The show is expected to air in early 2026.

The new sitcom stars comedy legend Dawn French and follows a retired couple who pretend to have died in order to collect insurance money. It’s designed to be a funny and relatable story about everyday mishaps.

Dawn French, best known for her role in The Vicar of Dibley, plays Debbie Fendon, a demanding grandmother. Her family faces increased challenges when her husband, William (Mark Heap from Friday Night Dinner), suddenly dies.

The truth is, Debbie isn’t a widow and William isn’t dead at all. He’s been secretly hiding in the attic, waiting for their life insurance policy to mature so he and Debbie can enjoy a comfortable retirement together.

Can You Keep a Secret? also stars Doctor Who‘s Mandip Gill and Submarine’s Craig Roberts.

One picture shows Debbie and William looking suspicious while they enjoy a drink. Another shows their son, Harry Roberts, looking stressed and overwhelmed.

According to the official summary, what Debbie and William do creates a major problem for Harry. He unexpectedly receives a large insurance payment after his father is presumed dead, leaving him with a difficult decision.

The situation is complicated for Harry because his wife, Neha (Gill), is a police officer who doesn’t approve of dishonesty. If she discovers her in-laws, the Fendons, are committing fraud, they could get into serious trouble, according to the story’s summary.

Harry’s life just got a lot more complicated. He’s dealing with the recent loss of his father, and the surprising revelation that his parents led a rather adventurous life – and are now elderly versions of famous outlaws.

Will Debbie and her family be able to keep the secret?

Simon Mayhew-Archer, who produced the popular BBC comedy This Country, is the author of Can You Keep a Secret.

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2025-11-19 16:07