Dawn French: live webchat Wednesday 24 October, 1.30-2.30pm

[JaneGMumsnet]

Hi everyone,

We're delighted that Dawn French will be joining us for a webchat about her new novel, Oh Dear Silvia, on Wednesday 24 October from 1.30pm to 2.30pm. You can see Dawn talking about the book in .

Dawn will be launching Oh Dear Silvia, which is published by Michael Joseph, at an exclusive event at The Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly, on Friday 26 October, where she will be interviewed by Sue Perkins. Tickets cost £15 and include a signed copy of the book. You can buy tickets here or on 0844 847 1778 and very excitingly, we have a pair of tickets to give away.

Anyone who posts a question on this thread for Dawn (either during the live webchat itself or in advance) will be entered into a draw to win a pair of tickets to the event, so do join Dawn for a chat on Wednesday or post a question for her in advance here.

Thanks

MNHQ

[DawnFrench]

@dinkystinky

Dawn - you're a brilliant role model to so many women and girls out there. Successful, charming, witty and lovely with it. Who were your role models growing up?

And a follow up question - what's your favourite biscuit?

The two people I wanted to be were: A) my drama teacher Christine Abbot, and B) Eric Morcambe. I think I've turned out more like Christine Abbot. No bad thing.

Favourite biscuit - shortbread made by daughter. Usually at Christmas when she realises she hasn't bought me a present.

[DawnFrench]

@Mono1

Yeah, Dawn French, my hero! I spent many many hours watching and reciting French and Saunders sketches with my sister as teenagers christ that makes me feel old now
What's your favourite sweary word? Go on, everyone's got one.

Cockbuggerclitdandy

[TanteRose]

[DawnFrench]

@Firstdayofspring

Hi Dawn, what car do you drive and have you ever been tempted to take on Jennifer in the top gear challenge? Xx

Would never take on Jennifer, she's too competitive and frankly doesn't care if she dies as long as she wins! I used to drive a Jaguar XK8 and loved it very much, then had a kid, so now there are two cars at my house that we all drive. One is a mini and one is a range rover.

[flubba]

Love it! Did you just shout that at the lucky beggar poor sod typing for you? :o

The 'dandy' at the end just makes it even better

[DawnFrench]

@NorksAreMessy

Hello Ms French (formal)
Thank you for making me laugh for years and years and years.

Please tell me if your daughter thinks you are funny, or does she just roll her eyes at you? Does she REALISE that her mother is so well loved.


:o

Let's get this straight, my daughter is utterly allergic to me and thinks I am a bossy, unreasonable, shouting, harridan. She is right. Thank God I love her.

[NanaNina]

Dawn - I notice no one has mentioned your weight loss and how great you look. Is that off limits?

Oh and noticed you didn't mention Victoria Wood or Julie Walters in your list of people who you thought were funny?

[NetworkGuy]

No really a question - if you ever wanted to update your "chisel and stone" I'd happily give some advice (in IT for 30+ years and not pusher of Twitter, Facebook, but happy to help choose a computer [Linux, Windows or Apple] or a mobile, without much bias!)

[LIZS]

Re: French and Saunders , Comic Strip et al. How do manage to keep the characters and material fresh when it is often the same established group involved and is it like an extended family reunion each time.

[DawnFrench]

@BillyBollyBandy

Hi Dawn

You're lovely

What's your favourite adult and children's book?

My favourite book spanned the time between childhood and adulthood and it's Puckoon by Spike Milligan.

[TanteRose]

GreatGoogly mentioned the weight loss...

[DawnFrench]

[quote cm22v077]Hi Dawn!

Please can you explain how you filmed the vicar-of-dibley-puddle-scene?
My friend thinks it's CGI!

Just incase you have forgotten: 24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mb6gie5jvc1r390avo1_500.gif[/quote]
Your friend is wrong, wrong, wrong. The crew dug a deep hole, filled it with cold water and I jumped in. At the very bottom of the hole were lots of spongey balls to cushion my landing. It still hurt. But great fun.

[DawnFrench]

@Hotcoffeeisamemory

Hello Dawn!

I love you

What advise would you give to anyone who is in the process of adopting a child?

Love Lisa xxx

Be patient, and so long as you trust those who are judging you to submit honestly to all questions in the knowledge that it is for the greater good. Remember the kid is the most important thing. Always.

[DawnFrench]

@CheckItOutFartShoes

Hi Dawn,
Although great together, you and Jennifer have had your individual successes. Have you ever watched Jennifer in a part and wished it was you who had played it instead?

Go on, you can tell us

Honestly no because I think, she is very different to me so the parts she plays are right for only her. That doesn't mean to say that I wasn't eaten up with jealousy about the massive success of Absolutely Fabulous. Bitch.

[Hotcoffeeisamemory]

Dear Dawn, thank you for answering. xxx

And thank you for taking the time to join us vipers today xxx

[NetworkGuy]

Thanks cm22v077 - I must be the only person who hasn't seen that episode... one to look out for!

[SoleSource]

I shall write a book based on my life too. Any tips on how to get started Dawn?

[DawnFrench]

@LIZS

Re: French and Saunders , Comic Strip et al. How do manage to keep the characters and material fresh when it is often the same established group involved and is it like an extended family reunion each time.

This is the exact reason that Jen and I no longer do French and Saunders in that old format. However, we did all get together recently to make a new version of the Famous Five film the Comic Strip. It goes out on the 7th November on Gold. Must say, was a hoot to be back with the old gang.

[DawnFrench]

@NotSoSuperMa

Oh Dawn French!!
Thank you for another Christmas gift that I can subtly plant in my husband's subconscious
D'you worry about Val and Geraldine and Mo, or do you think they're making good life choices and living happily ever after? Or do you (unlike me, ahem) recognise the line between fact and fiction, and forget all about those lovely ladies?
I served you once in a foody place & told you that you were the highlight of my day...you said that was very sad

Ironic that you were the highlight of my day! I don't forget about all those characters, but I do like to push on and find some new ones.

[DawnFrench]

I'm being told that there's a rumour going round about something called bum sex threads. Aeh? What the cock is this? Need more info immediately.

[JenFrankenstein]

It's the MN Friday night special :o

[DawnFrench]

@Bossybritches22

I live in a small village referred to by some us as Dibley......

We also have a vacancy for a vicar if you fancy a career change?!!

Oooooh how exciting! Let me think about it. Umm. No thanks.

[Hotcoffeeisamemory]

Dear Dawn,
Come back on Friday night.
It's bum sex galore.

And on a decent Friday, we'd make Christian Grey look like the Pope!

[NormaStanleyFletcher]

I am sure that Justine or the others at MNHQ could enlighten you on Bum Sex threads and what the cock they are ... evil

[NotShortImFunSized]

Hi Dawn,

I loved Dear Fatty and cannot wait to buy the newest addition. Do you have plans for anymore novels after this one?