Dawn French pays tribute to ‘hilarious’ The Vicar of Dibley co-star John Bluthal

Dawn French lead tributes to her co-star by posting a heartfelt message on Twitter.

The 61-year-old said: “Tons of happy laughs remembered today. Cheeky, naughty, hilarious. Bye darlin Bluey.”

Bluthal played the secretary for Dibley’s parish council in the sitcom which originally aired on BBC One between 1994 and 1998. Later winter specials were also produced.

First broadcast two years after the Church of England approved the ordination of women, the fictional show explores how one village reacts to the arrival of its first female vicar, Rev Geraldine Granger.

Tons of happy laughs remembered today. Cheeky, naughty, hilarious.
Bye darlin Bluey. pic.twitter.com/yy5TY4TeX5

— Dawn French (@Dawn_French) November 17, 2018

Talent agency, The Artist’s Partnership said: “We’re sad to announce our wonderful client John Bluthal has passed away.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this time. John provided us all with years of laughter and entertainment. We will miss John hugely.”

We’re sad to announce our wonderful client John Bluthal has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family at this time. John provided us all with years of laughter and entertainment. We will miss John hugely.

— Artists Partnership (@TheAPartnership) November 15, 2018

The Vicar of Dibley’s regular cast also included Gary Waldhorn, Roger Lloyd-Pack, Trevor Peacock, James Fleet and Emma Chambers….