Dawn French’s life in Cornwall’s quietest village after leaving £6.6m mansion behind

Dawn French has lived in Cornwall for almost 20 years and has recently shared some lovely insights with her husband Mark Bignell about her coastal lifestyle.

Comedian Dawn French has made a stunning home for herself in Cornwall(Image: Joe Maher/Getty Images)

Dawn French, famed for her roles in The Vicar of Dibley and French and Saunders, has traded her coastal view for a quieter spot closer to the Devon-Cornwall border. Her decision came as the picturesque town of Fowey became “too cool and trendy” for her liking.

Having made Cornwall her home nearly 20 years ago, French has been delighting fans with glimpses into her life by the sea. She said goodbye to her 15-bedroom manor house with stunning estuary views in Fowey, after selling it for an impressive £6.6 million in 2021 – tripling her initial investment from 2006.

Born in Wales, Dawn left her substantial property in search of a more tranquil setting within the quieter parts of the Duchy. Dawn now enjoys the tranquillity of a secluded Cornish village with her husband Mark Bignell, savouring waterside views far from the crowds of tourists that descend on Fowey during peak season, reports Devon Live.

Fowey Waterfront in Cornwall
Dawn moved away from Fowey as it became too popular (Image: (Image: Getty))

Before splitting in 2010, Dawn and her then-husband Sir Lenny Henry moved into a Grade-II listed home in Fowey with their daughter Billie.

Dawn and her current husband, a therapist, tied the knot in their shared home in 2013. The much-loved comedian has since become a proponent of Cornwall’s breathtaking scenery and culinary scene, frequently praising the area’s “unpretentious” atmosphere and delicious food.

Dawn frequently uses her signature humor to make comments about her life in Cornwall. She shares photos of picturesque but less well-known locations like Par Beach, which is dog-friendly and both picturesque, making it the ideal place for walks with her beloved pet.

Edie’s Kitchen in Carlyon Bay, which is one of Dawn’s favorite dining destinations, is where she used to go for a meal.

She praised the restaurant’s “unpretentious, fresh, tasty good-looking grub,” calling it “the pinnacle of her dining experiences that year.”

National treasure Dawn popped in during the third series of her popular show Delicious in September 2018 to pique the interest of Edie’s Kitchen patrons.

Another treasure Dawn treasures dearly considers the Hidden Hut in Portscatho to be one of Cornwall’s hidden treasures. It hosted world leaders at the G7 Summit in 2021, received praise from famous people like Rick Stein and Alice Levine, and has received numerous accolades.

Dawn’s stunning photo of her beloved dog on a misty morning walk on Par Beach was shared back in 2017.

Local St Austell residents quickly recognized the location when Dawn shared the image, creating a flurry of excitement in the Friends of Par Beach Facebook group.

In a playful jab, Dawn, who is renowned for her irresistible charm and sharp humor, took to Twitter in 2019 to express her love for Cornwall. She quipped, “Cornwall,” in addition to a photo of her pet against the picturesque coastal scenery. Ghastly”.

According to data from the Office for National Statistics, property prices in Cornwall have increased by 20% since 2024, with the average home now costing £299,000.

Continue reading the article.

READ MORE: ‘Saviour in a bottle’ Elizabeth Arden anti-ageing cream slashed to £44 in deal stack

Chris Hughes kisses JoJo Siwa in bed before deleting very intimate post

Chris Hughes and JoJo Siwa, the famous Big Brother stars, shared a very cozy photo from their bedroom before taking it out. Their fans are captivated by their blossoming romance.

On her trip to the UK, Chris Hughes and JoJo Siwa have been getting very close.

Chris Hughes posted and swiftly deleted a steamy bedroom snap with JoJo Siwa as fans are convinced it is proof of their romance. The Love Island star, 32, has been getting cosy with JoJo, 22, as she spends time in the UK for her tour.

They have enjoyed meals out, bowling, time with family and have made sure to get plenty of moments alone. Chris and JoJo’s bond has had fans hooked as they are yet to fully confirm the status of their relationship.

Since leaving Celebrity Big Brother, fans have looked for any clues they can to prove the pair are more than friends. It seems the duo are enjoying the attention around their relationship, as they have continued to post some very intimate photos from the bedroom.

Chris and JoJo were snuggled up together in bed when he took a selfie while kissing JoJo’s forehead. JoJo, the reality star, yelled, “Sleeping beauty,” while JoJo, the dance moms star, kept her eyes closed.

Chris Hughes kisses JoJo Siwa in bed
Chris shared a snap of JoJo cuddling him in bed(Image: instagram)

The photo was quickly deleted from Chris’ page, which meant it wasn’t updated for long. However, since many fans were able to take screenshots and share them with one another, it was too late to conceal any proof.

After previously claiming to be platonic soulmates, Chris and JoJo haven’t yet commented on reports that their relationship is deteriorating.

JoJo admits she has never felt so special and loved about the fact that fans have been dropping significant hints that they are an item.

Chris flew to Mexico to support the dancer at her show before JoJo left the UK. He even shared a kiss with JoJo while swimming with her mother and manager Jessalynn.

They have previously shared other snaps from the bedroom, as earlier in the week, Chris took to Snapchat to reveal that they were watching Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? together.

Chris had teased himself about cooking a meal for JoJo just before the post. Later, he shared a picture of a table with their meals, one with a lit candle next to their bowls and a vase of roses on the side.

This weekend, JoJo appeared on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch where she revealed how Chris has slotted right into her family. JoJo said: “She (Siwa’s mother) does love him. My parents think the absolute world of him and him and my dad are like best friends.

Chris actually explained to me that they had visited the spa together yesterday. They are essentially their closest friends. She adores him utterly, mama. I’ve never seen my mother be so happy when she watches us.

We feel like we’re a family, she continued. He seems to have been a part of my family for a long time. They all seem to get along just as well as I do, in my opinion.

JoJo explained how they intend to see each other despite their distance, saying that while we both have families, you know, on either end, there will definitely be much more time spent here and, as well, much more time spent there.

Continue reading the article.

READ MORE: ‘Saviour in a bottle’ Elizabeth Arden anti-ageing cream slashed to £44 in deal stack

Countryfile’s Matt Baker admits ‘I felt emotional’ after heartbreaking realisation

Former The One Show presenter and Countryfile star Matt Baker is back on our screens with a new series about the British Isles after making an emotional discovery during filming

Matt Baker got emotional during filming

Countryfile host Matt Baker has revealed that he was moved to tears while filming his latest series, particularly when discussing Queen Elizabeth II.

The former The One Show presenter, 47, is back on our screens with Matt Baker’s British Isles on More4.

In the show, he embarks on a journey around the UK, visiting areas that some viewers may be familiar with, while others may not. Among the locations he explores is a Scottish village named Crathie, which holds significant Royal ties.

Speaking to TV Times, the Countryfile star shared: “I also go to the Scottish village of Crathie, outside Balmoral Castle, where locals have mingled with the Royal Family since the 19th century.

“The Royal chaplain, a lovely man named Ken, showed me around the church and I felt quite emotional hearing about the special service held for locals when the late Queen Elizabeth II passed.”

Matt Baker
Matt Baker has said he had a very emotional moment during the filming of his latest television series(Image: Getty)

This isn’t the first time the late Queen has been mentioned in recent weeks. Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, claimed that she communicates with the monarch through her corgis.

Sarah, 65, stated that the late queen’s corgis visit her every morning and when they bark, she is “sure” it’s Queen Elizabeth speaking to her.

Addressing the London Creative Women Platform forum, Sarah commented: “I have her dogs, I have her corgis. Every morning they come in and go ‘woof woof’ and all that and I’m sure it’s her talking to me.”

While Sarah Ferguson reminisces about Queen Elizabeth’s beloved dogs, former Royal chef Darren McGrady spills the beans on Her Majesty’s preferred snack.

The culinary expert, who served the Royal Family for an impressive 15 years, divulged to a YouTube channel that the Queen’s go-to sandwich was none other than jam pennies.

queen
POUNDBURY, DORSET – OCTOBER 27: Queen Elizabeth II tours Queen Mother Square on October 27, 2016 in Poundbury, Dorset. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)

He shared: “The Queen was served jam pennies in the nursery as a little girl. She’s had them for afternoon tea ever since.

“It’s simple: just bread and jam with a little butter-usually strawberry jam. We’d make the jam at Balmoral Castle with the gorgeous Scottish strawberries from the gardens.”

In another tasty revelation, Tom Parker Bowles, in his book ‘Cooking and The Crown’, hints at another of the monarch’s favourites, according to GloucestershireLive.

Article continues below

Spice Girls reunite as band celebrate Mel B’s birthday at leopard print themed party

Mel B was joined by Melanie C and Emma Bunton as she celebrated her landmark birthday – with all three ladies looking wild and delightful in animal print outfits

Melanie Brown was joined by Melanie C and Emma Bunton as she celebrated turning 50(Image: INSTAGRAM )

Mel B had a mini Spice Girls reunion as she was joined by Melanie C and Emma Bunton to celebrate her 50th birthday. The music icon looked in high spirits as she paid tribute to half a century of life, with an energetic night of partying to mark the occasion.

The singer, known as Scary Spice, was joined by fellow Spice Girls stars Mel, 51, and Emma, 49 – with the trio stunning in leopard print. Birthday girl Mel looked elegant in a long sleeved shimmering mini dress with sequins arranged in animal print fashion.

While Mel C paid tribute to her Sporty Spice days by wearing a leopard print dress by sport brand Adidas. Emma also opted for a long-sleeved mini and looked thrilled to join the party with her bandmates. Throughout the night, the band danced along to music, including the band’s hit, Holler.

On Sunday, Mel took to Instagram to share a video montage of her party – uploading the highlights reel to her main grid alongside a caption stating: “Heres to 50 !!! And allll thats to come.”

Melanie danced the night away with her bandmate Emma Bunton
Melanie danced the night away with her bandmate Emma Bunton

Earlier in the week, Emma had marked the occasion by sharing a string of photos of herself with Mel from over the years alongside a caption reading: “Happy 50th @officialmelb! I’m not far behind you! ! ! From zig ah zig ahs to belly laughs. Hope you have the best day. Sending love and birthday hugs. “

And Mel C had shared a string of images of her own along with a long caption. She wrote: “50 years on this planet my darling @officialmelb. Oh, the adventures we have had! I still remember the first day we met and thinking you were the coolest person I had ever seen, how is that over 30 years ago? ! “

She continued: “I’m so proud of everything we have achieved and adversities you have not only overcome but have used to help others Mel B MBE Hon D Univ you’re a f***ing rock star and I love you more than words can say. Looking forward to BIG celebrations soon! Happy Birthday you Northern nutter. “

Emma sported a leopard print dress in homage to her bandmate
Emma sported a leopard print dress in homage to her bandmate(Image: instagram)

Fans noticed that both Victoria Beckham and Geri Horner – known as Posh Spice and Ginger Spice respectively – were absent from Mel’s birthday celebrations. Mel and Geri have had a feisty friendship over the years – with Mel admitting she was left fuming when Geri quit their band at the peak of its fame in the 1990s.

Geri marked Mel’s birthday when it passed on Thursday by sharing a snap of them in an Instagram post. She wrote at the time: “Happy 50th birthday @officialmelb wishing you a very wonderful year ahead. “

It was something of a celebration-filled weekend for Melanie, as her fiancé, Rory McPhee, also celebrated his birthday. On Saturday, Mel shared a photo of them together via her Instagram page and added a gushing message about him.

She wrote: “My soon-to-be husband! ! Happy birthdayyyy ! ! ! I can’t wait for a lifetime together with you to always having fun like only we no and laughing all the way together alwaysss I luv youuu my luv @rorymcphee. “

Mel and Rory have been in a relationship since 2018, and they became engaged in October 2022. While their wedding date is currently unknown, it has been revealed that the singer and her hairdresser husband-to-be are planning to get married at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

The Spice Girl icon revealed to TODAY in the USA recently that she is granted permission to marry at the iconic venue thanks to her status as a holder of a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) title.

Article continues below

She told the morning news show last month: “I got an MBE for all my charity work that I’ve been doing. It was actually Prince William that gave me my little honorary badge. And it’s quite a big deal. I didn’t realise how much of a big deal it was until I started reading about it, and then I started getting really nervous. It was really lovely. So, because of that, I am going to get married in the same church as Princess Diana.”

BBC Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner’s mum issues statement after car crash tragedy

BBC Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner’s mum has shared an emotional statement about her ‘ loyal, funny and fiercely protective ‘ son who tragically died last week

Sam Gardiner’s heartbroken mum has issued a moving tribute to her son(Image: UGC MEN)

Race Across the World star Sam Gardiner’s mum has issued an emotional statement about her ‘ beloved son ‘ after he tragically died in a car crash in Manchester last week. Greater Manchester Police said the 24-year-old, who appeared on the hit BBC show in 2019, had been driving on the A34 on Monday, 26 May, when his car left the road and rolled before landing on its side.

Sam had been working in Scotland and travelled to Stockport to attend a family birthday celebration earlier in the week. Sam’s parents, Jo and Andrew, have now shared a statement where they described Sam as ‘ loyal, funny and fiercely protective ‘.

Sam had been working in Scotland and travelled to Stockport to attend a family birthday celebration earlier in the week
Sam had been working in Scotland and travelled to Stockport to attend a family birthday celebration earlier in the week(Image: HANDOUT)

They said: “We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Sam in a terrible accident. Sam left us far too soon, and whilst words will never fully capture the light, joy and energy he brought into our lives, we hold on to the memories that made him so special. Sam was adored by his family. As a son, brother and nephew, he was loyal, funny and fiercely protective”.

 Sam's parents, Jo and Andrew, have now shared a statement where they described Sam as ' loyal, funny and fiercely protective '
Sam’s parents, Jo and Andrew, have now shared a statement where they described Sam as ‘ loyal, funny and fiercely protective ‘

His parents added: “He did Race Across The World in 2019, which opened his eyes to the wonder of adventure and travel. He was willing to go wherever the trail might lead and he touched everyone he met on the road. He found great happiness working as a landscape gardener on the west coast of Scotland.

” Sam brought warmth, laughter and a smattering of chaos wherever he went. He leaves behind a huge hole in our hearts. We will miss him endlessly, but we’ll also remember him with smiles, tall tales, and a depth of love that will never fade”.

Greater Manchester Police said the 24 year old, who appeared on the hit BBC show in 2019, had been driving on the A34 on Monday 26 May when his car left the road and rolled before landing on its side
Greater Manchester Police said the 24 year old, who appeared on the hit BBC show in 2019, had been driving on the A34 on Monday 26 May when his car left the road and rolled before landing on its side(Image: Instagram)

Sam’s uncle Jonny Dunlop has spoke out about the young gardener as he told the BBC: “What you saw was what you got. Sam loved gardening, animals and doing physical activity.” He said his sister Jo and Sam had a “special relationship” and were an “enormous hit on the show”. “The public really loved them,” he said.

Sam, who previously worked as a landscape gardener, appeared on the BBC travel show alongside his mum Jo. The duo trekked across South America in the second series of Race Across the World that aired in 2020.

Although the mother and son were unable to compete in the final leg of the race due to running out of money, Sam described his time on Race Across the World as a” life-changing “experience.

Following the devastating news, a Race Across the World spokesperson said:” Everyone who worked with him and indeed everyone who watched Sam could see just how precious and transformative the trip was for both him and his mum, Jo.

Article continues below

“Sam embraced the seven-week trip with an energy, love and a determination that saw the pair enjoy adventures across Mexico to Argentina making audiences fall in love with them and their special bond as a result.

” Since filming, both Sam and Jo have been an integral part of the Race Across the World cast family and on behalf of us all from the BBC, production and the rest of the cast, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to his parents, Andrew and Jo, his brothers, William and Charlie, his step mum Justine, his family and friends. “

Inside Dani Dyer and Jarrod Bowen’s wedding as dad Danny leads guests in X-rated chant

Danny Dyer left guests at Dani Dyer and Jarrod Bowen’s wedding in fits of laughter as he led them in a very rude West Ham chant which the footballer often faces

Proud dad Danny Dyer walked Dani down the aisle(Image: Danu Dyer Instagram / evieradfordsocials)

Danny Dyer reworded a West Ham chant to make sure he scored a winner with his speech as the father of the bride at the weekend. EastEnders star Danny walked his daughter Dani, 28, down the aisle so she could marry footballer Jarrod Bowen. White rose petals lined the aisle, with floral sculptures and candles creating a stunning backdrop which the bride and groom shared a kiss in front of.

And after Dani, wearing a designer Suzanne Neville dress, and Jarrod said ‘I do’, cheeky Danny then couldn’t resist bringing a bit of football into proceedings. With mic in hand on videos shared on social media, he can be heard urging the guests to sing and he’s married Dani Dyer ‘ to the tune of pop star Gala’s hit Freed from Desire.

They responded and also waved white napkins in the air. The usual lyrics are less family friendly – but also refer to Jarrod and Dani being an item. Despite a possible hangover today, Dani quickly changed her surname to Dyer-Bowen on Instagram, and is thrilled with how her big day went.

 EastEnders hardman Danny Dyer led the ' Bowen's on fire ' chant
EastEnders hardman Danny Dyer led the ‘ Bowen’s on fire ‘ chant

Other photos also showed her holding a bag from the celebrations saying ‘ Wifey For Lifey ‘ making it clear she thinks the commitment and marriage is very much for keeps. The couple have twin daughters, Summer and Star, both one. Dani also has son Santi, four, from a previous relationship.

On her Instagram, Dani said”, The most perfect, special day, “alongside a video of herself getting married. A purpose-built glass marquee had been erected in the Buckinghamshire countryside for the event, although the ceremony itself took place outside to make the most of the sunny weather.

After the couple cut a giant white cake, a band could be seen in the background poised to begin, so everyone could get the party started with some dancing.

Dani gave fans a glimpse into her special day
Dani gave fans a glimpse into her special day(Image: Danu Dyer Instagram / evieradfordsocials)

Around 60 people are said to have attended the ceremony, which is in keeping with the down-to-earth couple who have a small circle of close friends as well as family to invite.

Aside from dad Danny, other famous faces are thought to have included Jarrod’s former West Ham teammate Declan Rice. Other celebrities lined up on social media to praise the newly married couple and send their congratulations.

Podcaster Giovanna Fletcher, who recently had Dani on her show, said: “Whoooooooop!!! Huge congratulations!” Actor Vicky McClure said: “Huge congratulations!”

 Dani celebrated with her friends at the reception
Dani celebrated with her friends at the reception

Liverpool footballer Andy Robertson said: “Congrats mate.” And former Love Island star Samira Mighty said: “Omgggggggg my beautiful babe.”

West Ham’s Instagram also commented, saying:” Congratulations to you both. “Dani later posted a video on social media of her whole day, which began with her drinking a glass of champagne for breakfast as she sang Hop Little Bunnies with her twins.

 Doting dad Danny proudly watched on as his daughter got ready
Doting dad Danny proudly watched on as his daughter got ready

After the ceremony she and Jarrod were showered in white confetti before both Jarrod and Dani’s dad Danny gave speeches. Dani’s bridesmaids wore pink whilst her team of stylists and make-up artists wore brightly coloured dresses on the day and also posed with her in her bridesmaids dress.

The video of the day appeared to show Dani’s having a first dance with both her dad Danny and Jarrod before other guests joined them on the dancefloor. After a late night partying with a live band, guests could help themselves to take away pizzas. The boxes were specially made for the day and said ‘ D&amp, J that’s amore ‘ on them.

 Dani shared a sweet dance with her famous dad
Dani shared a sweet dance with her famous dad

As reported on Sunday, Dani Dyer has been in talks with the BBC and has now verbally agreed to take part in Strictly Come Dancing this year. It will be another thing to make 2025 a year to remember for her. In February, Dani spoke about how she first met her fiancé in 2021, because he was her neighbour and took in her parcels for her.

” Jarrod was my neighbour”, Dyer told the Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast as she recalled the unusual story of how they met. I’ve never really spoken about this. I moved into the house I was in with Santi and he was only a few months old.

Dani and Jarrod had a huge wedding cake
Dani and Jarrod had a huge wedding cake(Image: INSTAGRAM)

” It was a really small, cute little neighbourhood. I loved that house. People were like ‘ oh, Jarrod Bowen lives next door ‘ but I didn’t follow football at the time, just wasn’t interested in football.

“Then he knocked on my door a couple of times because my parcels went there. I remember the first time I opened the door… you know what it’s like, slicked-back hair… and I opened the door and I didn’t know it was Jarrod Bowen and he was hot.

The couple also had a live band for entertainment
The couple also had a live band for entertainment(Image: INSTAGRAM)

” Blue eyes, blonde hair, a bit of me. I was like ‘ ohh, thanks! ‘ Then there were a few times I’d see him. I used to know when he was leaving for football because I’d hear his car go and he’d reverse out and I was like, oh I can go put the bins out.

“There was once I knew I looked OK because I had a shoot that day and I remember walking back round and then I put the key in the door and he came out and I thought ‘ I know I look good today’. So then he said ‘ have you got a meter reading key? ‘ once, a meter reading key for your gas or something.

Dani looked sensational as she was seen getting ready for the wedding
Dani looked sensational as she was seen getting ready for the wedding(Image: INSTAGRAM)

” But I did not think nothing of it and said ‘ no, no I don’t ‘ and then he was like ‘ oh I’m moving house ‘ and I was like ‘ oh good luck with everything’. “Dyer said after he moved out, Bowen messaged her on her birthday to say ‘ happy birthday ‘ and following that ‘ they never stopped speaking’.

Dad-of-three and West Ham fan Danny is thrilled his daughter Dani has ended up marrying the West Ham star, who sources say is generally a private person and family man and not a flashy footballer by modern standards.

Dani was seen getting ready with those closest to her
Dani was seen getting ready with those closest to her(Image: Danu Dyer Instagram / evieradfordsocials)

In the lead up to the wedding, Danny said:” I have met every single boyfriend that has walked through my door – and then she brings home the West Ham captain.

“I have gone from the lying scum, and I hate them, to a man who I would not mind tonguing myself! A strong man. If he lent in I would put my lips on this geezer.

Dani's 'something blue' was a garter
Dani’s ‘something blue’ was a garter(Image: @danidyerxx/Instagram)

” He is just, as a father and joking aside, he took her on with a 14 month old son and that says a lot about a man I will tell you. He is amazing. I can’t wait to give her away. What a touch. But if he was to make a move on me before…

“I think I’m in love with him, slightly”. Jarrod joined West Ham in 2020 and has regularly been the best player on the pitch, including when he scored the winning goal to give West Ham their first trophy in 43 years during the 2023 Europa Conference League final.

 Even before putting her dress on, Dani looked glamorous
Even before putting her dress on, Dani looked glamorous
Article continues below

Danny added: “Okay. He plays for West Ham. He’s one of West Ham’s hot ones. He’s the captain of West Ham. And he’s unbelievable, this guy. I mean, he comes in my house. I take his shoes off for him.

” And I give him the remote control. And I say, ‘ Mate, this is your house now’. But he’s an incredible person. I just want someone to love my daughters the way I do. I want them to worship them and look after them. Let me tell you that. I love him. “