Vicar of Dibley: Dawn French’s co-star Richard Armitage sends ‘love’ amid backlash at Black Lives Matter scene

'Nothing warms my heart more that racists losing their s***,' one fan wrote

Dawn French is being supported by fans and co-stars after the actor faced criticism for including a Black Lives Matter tribute in new episodes.

The comedy show is returning this Christmas for three specials, which were filmed in lockdown and will comment on several events that occurred in 2020.

One of these is the killing of George Floyd and the ensuing Black Lives Matter protests that took place around the world.

According to reports, French's character Reverend Geraldine Kennedy takes a knee in honour of Floyd after delivering a “sermon” about Black Lives Matter.

Geraldine will reportedly say: “I don’t think it matters where you’re from. I think it matters that you do something about it because Jesus would, wouldn’t he? Until all lives matter the same, we are doing something very wrong.”

Following the reports, French received nasty messages from social media users who were angry by the news.

She received so many messages of abuse that the actor responded by sarcastically writing: "A lovely calm day, full of humanity, compassion and support all round....."

Richard Armitage, who plays French's on-screen husband Harry in the series, replied: "More love to coming to you than you’ll ever know."

He then shared a picture of the pair, smiling away.

Many of French’s fans also sent their support to the actor, with one person writing: "Nothing warms my heart more that racists losing their s***."

Another episode will pay tribute to actor Emma Chambers, who previously portrayed Alice Tinker in the series. Chambers died aged 53 after suffering a heart attack in 2018.

The Vicar of Dibley in Lockdown begins on BBC One at 8.50pm tonight (7 December).