Audio edition of the autobiography of Britain's best-loved comedienne

Dawn French is one of the greatest comedy actresses of our time, wtih a career that has spanned nearly three decades, encompassing a vast and brilliant array of characters. Loved for her irreverant humour, Dawn has achieved massive mainstream success while continuing to push boundaries and challenge stereotypes. Here, in her autobiography, she describes the twists and turns of the journey that would eventually establish her as a, perhaps unlikely - but nevertheless genuine, national treasure.Dawn first appeared on the British entertainment scene as part of the groundbreaking alternative comedy group, the Comic Strip, marking a radical departure from the more traditional comedy acts of the time. Then, later came the all-female Girls On Top, which teamed Dawn with Jennifer Saunders, Ruby Wax and Tracy Ullman and firmly established women in British comedy. As part of the wildly successful and much loved duo French and Saunders, Dawn helped create a repetoire of brilliantly observed recurring characters, parodying popular culture and impersonating everything from Madonna and Harry Potter to The Exorcist.Dawn's more recent role in the "Vicar of Dibley" again has showcased not only her talent but also her ability to take a controversial and topical issue and make it mainstream - and funny. From her early years as an RAF child to her flat-sharing antics with Jennifer Saunders, from her outspoken views on sizism to her marriage to Lenny Henry, "Dear Fatty" will chronicle the extraordinary, hilarious rise of a complex, dynamic and unstoppable woman.

Dawn French is one of the greatest comedy actresses of our time, wtih a career that has spanned nearly three decades, encompassing a vast and brilliant array of characters. Loved for her irreverant humour, Dawn has achieved massive mainstream success while continuing to push boundaries and challenge stereotypes. Here, in her autobiography, she describes the twists and turns of the journey that would eventually establish her as a, perhaps unlikely - but nevertheless genuine, national treasure.Dawn first appeared on the British entertainment scene as part of the groundbreaking alternative comedy group, the Comic Strip, marking a radical departure from the more traditional comedy acts of the time. Then, later came the all-female Girls On Top, which teamed Dawn with Jennifer Saunders, Ruby Wax and Tracy Ullman and firmly established women in British comedy. As part of the wildly successful and much loved duo French and Saunders, Dawn helped create a repetoire of brilliantly observed recurring characters, parodying popular culture and impersonating everything from Madonna and Harry Potter to The Exorcist.Dawn's more recent role in the "Vicar of Dibley" again has showcased not only her talent but also her ability to take a controversial and topical issue and make it mainstream - and funny.

From her early years as an RAF child to her flat-sharing antics with Jennifer Saunders, from her outspoken views on sizism to her marriage to Lenny Henry, "Dear Fatty" will chronicle the extraordinary, hilarious rise of a complex, dynamic and unstoppable woman.

Dear Dad
So, you're still dead. It's been over 30 years and every day I have to remind myself of that fact, and every day I am shocked. I'm not 19 anymore and many things have happened that we haven't shared, so I have decided to write this book for you. I want to remember our time together and I want to tell you about lots of stuff since. So far, it's been better than expected...

With a sharp eye for comic detail and wicked ear for the absurdities of life, Dawn French shows just how an RAF girl from the west country with dreams of becoming a ballerina/air hostess/bridesmaid rose to be one of the best loved comedy actresses of our time.

Here Dawn French shares her story, and in particular with her father who committed suicide when she was nineteen years old. She invites us into her most personal relationships with, among others, her mum and dad, her husband, her daughter and her friend Jennifer.

Dawn reveals the people, experiences and obsessions that have influenced her and that helped shape her comedy creations - including kissing, dogs, grandmas, David Cassidy, teenage angst, school, stealing, Madonna and not forgetting chocolate. She is as open about her fears and sorrows as she is about her delights and joys, and for the first time shares the experience of losing her beloved dad and later finding a tip-topmost chap in Lenny Henry.

From raging about class, celebrity and bullying to describing the highs and lows of motherhood and friendship, Dear Fatty reveals the surprising life behind the smile.

Dawn French was born in Wales in 1957. She trained to be a drama teacher at London's Central School of Speech and Drama where she met Jennifer Saunders, leading to one of the most successful partnerships in British comedy. Dawn French has numerous television credits to her name, the most notable of which is her role in The Vicar of Dibley. Now living in Berkshire and Cornwall, Dawn French is married to the comedian Lenny Henry with whom she has a daughter.