Dawn French has begun filming the second series of the BBC comedy "Can You Keep a Secret?" in Somerset, England. The 68-year-old actress was seen in character as Debbie, a grandmother who fakes her husband's death for an insurance payout.
Filming for the new season took place in Axbridge, Somerset, where French was pictured with co-stars Craig Roberts and Mandip Gill. French was seen in at least two different outfits: a red polka dot dress with gold shoes, and a blue floral print dress with red shoes and matching tights.
The plot of "Can You Keep a Secret?" centers on Debbie, who, after her reclusive husband William (Mark Heap) is presumed dead, makes a plan to secure her family's future. The scheme is complicated when it's revealed William is not dead but hiding, as the couple awaits a life insurance payout. Their son Harold, played by Roberts, and his wife Neha, a local police officer played by Gill, are involved in the unfolding deception.
The first series of the comedy was a success for the BBC, becoming the third-biggest comedy launch on BBC iPlayer since 2024, attracting an audience of 3.3 million viewers upon its release in January.
French expressed her enthusiasm for the second series, stating she was looking forward to more of Debbie's "bossy boots" and the ensuing chaos. The second season was confirmed a month after the first series concluded its initial run.
This filming follows a busy period for French, who also released her fifth book, "Enough," in May. The novel explores themes of mortality and life affirmation, with French noting her willingness to discuss what she calls "big, scary stuff" infused with hope. She has spoken about confronting fears related to aging and mortality, drawing from personal experiences such as losing her mother and friends.
The BBC comedy "Can You Keep a Secret?" is loosely based on the real-life disappearance case of John Darwin, who faked his death at sea in 2002 to claim a life insurance payout, with his wife Anne eventually involved in the conspiracy. Darwin was discovered alive five years later, having been living in their seaside home. The couple were later convicted of fraud.