Dawn French’s ‘Can You Keep a Secret?’ Debuts on BBC in January 2026

2 January 2026 Television

BBC’s Highly Anticipated Comedy Launches This Month

The series will begin on Wednesday 7th January 2026 at 9.30pm, bringing viewers a six-part series premiering on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in early 2026. The new sitcom features an all-star cast and promises to deliver a uniquely British take on family mischief and moral dilemmas.

The Premise: A Secret Worth Keeping?

The six-part series sees French playing widow Debbie Fendon – granny, lawn bowler, tinpot dictator – who will stop at nothing to make sure her family’s protected. However, there’s a twist to this widow’s tale. Debbie isn’t actually a widow and William didn’t really die – he was just mistakenly declared dead and the two retirees found themselves staring down the barrel of an opportunity too good to pass up.

The couple’s scheme is simple yet audacious: Just a few months hiding out in the loft waiting for the life insurance to pay out and then they can live out their golden years in peace. Harry’s wife Neha, played by Mandip Gill, is a relentlessly pragmatic local police officer, which is far from ideal when your in-laws have turned themselves into a cosy West Country crime syndicate.

A Comedy Pedigree

Written by Simon Mayhew-Archer, the producer of hit BBC Comedy This Country, the show brings together proven talent. This one comes packed with comedy royalty, a delightfully daft premise, and just enough family chaos to keep things spicy, thanks to a cast led by Dawn French (French & Saunders, The Vicar of Dibley), Mark Heap (Friday Night Dinner, Green Wing), Craig Roberts (Submarine, The Fundamentals of Caring), and Mandip Gill (Doctor Who, This Time Next Year).

What Makes It Special

Set and filmed in the West Country, ‘Can You Keep a Secret?’ is pitched as the story of a slightly odd but instantly recognisable British family stumbling into criminal capers they are wildly unsuited for. The show taps into relatable family dynamics while exploring the comedic consequences of well-intentioned but ill-advised decisions.

For viewers seeking quality British comedy this winter, ‘Can You Keep a Secret?’ offers fresh perspectives on family loyalty, moral boundaries, and the question everyone must ask themselves: how far would you go to secure your future? With its premiere just days away, the answer to whether the Fendon family can maintain their deception will soon be revealed to audiences across the UK.