Vicar of Dibley stamp launched by Royal Mail

The iconic scene of the Royal Mail Alice, starring Emma Chambers with a blonde bob and Geraldine Granger played by Dawn French with a dark-haired bob and wearing Vickers attire. — (L-R) Alice played Emma Chambers and Dawn French played Geraldine Granger

Royal Mail has launched a set of special stamps to celebrate the award-winning sitcom The Vicar of Dibley.

The main set of eight stamps features images of famous scenes from the series, while the other four stamps show a meeting of Dibley Parish Council.

The sitcom, which ran for three series on the BBC from November 1994 to January 2007, won numerous awards.

Paul Mayhew-Archer, who co-wrote the program with Richard Curtis, said it was “very exciting news and a wonderful honour”.

A miniature sheet depicting a meeting of Dibley Parish Council

Royal Mail Another prestigious parish on the Dibley scene - Dibley Parish Council. Starring left to right – Don French and Geraldine Granger, James Fleet as Hugo; Gary Waldhorn Father David. — A miniature sheet depicting a meeting of Dibley Parish Council

The series was set in the fictional Oxfordshire village of Dibley, which was assigned to a female vicar played by Dawn French.

Broadcast eight months after the first 32 British women were ordained as Church of England clergy, it was created and co-written by Richard Curtis with Mr Mayhew-Archer.

The series is one of the most successful British programmes, having been nominated for several British Comedy Awards, an International Emmy and several British Academy Television Awards.

Mr Mayhew-Archer said: “It’s a wonderful honor and a shame so few artists are still here to enjoy it.

“Seeing the beautiful stamps brought back such happy memories.

“They are special stamps commemorating characters with very special needs.”

Special tickets include scenes such as Geraldine Granger in an unexpectedly deep puddle

Royal Mail Geraldine Granger was played by Dawn French in this memorable scene where she jumped into a puddle, reaching up to her chest. — Special tickets include scenes such as Geraldine Granger in an unexpectedly deep puddle

Royal Mail said that for more than 50 years its special stamp program has celebrated anniversaries and events related to Britain’s heritage and life.

David Gould, director of external affairs and policy, said: “Brilliant writing and the warmth and eccentricity of its characters have made The Vicar of Dibley one of the best-loved TV comedies of all time.

“We celebrate the series with new stamps revisiting some of the show’s classic moments.”

Tickets are now available for pre-order.