Our take
A big, broad Christmas Eve romp that trades the show's quieter charm for set pieces, and mostly gets away with it. The chocolate fountain and the late-night service are the moments everyone remembers, and Dawn French's tipsy turn in the pulpit is a gift. The Guardian's reviewer felt the same: not the best episode, but she was outstanding. Rachel Hunter playing herself is a nice period touch.
What happens
Ten years after Geraldine first arrived, the village decides her tenth Christmas there deserves a party on Christmas Eve, and Hugo suggests a competition to write a new carol for the occasion. When David remarks that she ought to be a bishop by now, Geraldine starts to wonder whether she is wasting her life in the village. Idle talk with Alice about which famous women they would fancy leads to Geraldine naming the model Rachel Hunter, who promptly turns up at the vicarage needing somewhere to change. Frank, convinced he ruins every event, plans to stay away, so Geraldine kindly asks him to give the speech in her honour instead. At the party Frank's speech is short and to the point, and David unveils two surprises: a giant chocolate fountain, which Geraldine dives into, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, who finds her dripping in chocolate. Mortified and certain her chances of promotion are gone, she drinks far too much, and Alice has just minutes to sober her up before Midnight Mass.
Can the kids watch it?
Rated 12 on DVD for mild language and frequent sex references, so better for 12 and over.
Cast and crew
Starring
- Dawn French as Geraldine Grainger
- Emma Chambers as Alice Tinker
- Gary Waldhorn as David Horton
- James Fleet as Hugo Horton
- John Bluthal as Frank Pickle
- Trevor Peacock as Jim Trott
- Roger Lloyd-Pack as Owen Newitt
Guest stars
- Simon McBurney as Cecil
- Rachel Hunter
- Brian Perkins as Archbishop of Canterbury
Writers
- Richard Curtis
- Paul Mayhew-Archer
Director
- Martin Dennis