Here’s a bold statement: Dawn French is about to make you laugh—and maybe even squirm—with her new sitcom that tackles fraud, family, and secrets in the most unexpected way. But here’s where it gets controversial... Is it okay to laugh at a family committing a massive scam? That’s the question at the heart of Can You Keep a Secret?, a BBC sitcom that’s already sparking conversations. Set in the picturesque landscapes of Somerset, the show follows a retired couple, Debbie and William Fendon, who find themselves in a bizarre situation: the husband is mistakenly declared dead, and they’re tempted to cash in on a life insurance payout. Sounds like a recipe for disaster—or comedy gold.
French, who plays the 'widow' Debbie, describes the show as a quirky exploration of a family that’s equal parts oddball and relatable. When asked if she can keep a secret, she playfully quipped, 'I’ve kept one for a very long time. Jennifer Saunders is an alien.' Classic French humor, but it also hints at the show’s playful tone. And this is the part most people miss... Beneath the laughs, the sitcom touches on deeper themes like family dynamics, morality, and the lengths people will go to for financial security.
Writer Simon Mayhew-Archer, known for the award-winning This Country, drew inspiration from his own 'weird little family' for the characters. Interestingly, the husband in the show has Parkinson’s, a detail inspired by Mayhew-Archer’s real-life father, celebrated comedy writer Paul Mayhew-Archer, who co-wrote The Vicar of Dibley with French. This personal touch adds a layer of authenticity to the story, blending humor with heartfelt moments.
Mark Heap, a familiar face from classics like Green Wing and Friday Night Dinner, plays William, the mistakenly 'deceased' husband. Heap praised the script for its organic feel, saying, 'When I saw the early draft, I thought it was handled very well.' The six-part series also stars Craig Roberts (Submarine) and Mandip Gill (Doctor Who), and was filmed in charming Somerset towns like Axbridge, Cheddar, and Winscombe, which together form the fictional village of Colberton.
Gill shared her experience filming in Axbridge, noting how locals enjoyed watching the scenes unfold. 'It’s their little town, and it’s just so picturesque,' she said. For Mayhew-Archer, the pressure was on after the success of This Country, but he admitted to crying with relief when French agreed to join the project. He wanted to create something that found humor in the truth of his own life, particularly the challenges of being part of the 'sandwich generation'—caught between caring for young children and aging parents. 'It’s nappies at both ends,' he joked.
The first episode airs on BBC One on 7 January at 21:30 GMT, with the full series available on iPlayer. But here’s the real question... Can a sitcom about fraud and family secrets strike the right balance between humor and heart? And more importantly, will you be tuning in? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear if you think this show hits the mark or misses it entirely. Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X for more updates, and send your story ideas via email or WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Let’s keep the conversation going!
