Comic reveals her 'revolting' comments as she went under anaesthetic

Dawn French  has spoken about the mortifying moment she told a surgeon to take special care of her because she was 'a national treasure'.

The Vicar of Dibley star woozily muttered the words as she went under anaesthetic for an operation… but only realised what she’d said whenshe came round later.

On a post-surgery visit, the medic revealed that she told him at the last minute:  m a national treasure, no pressure! '''Imagine saying that about yourself!’ the 66-year-old comedian told comedy partner Jennifer Saunders on their podcast French & Saunders: Titting About.  ‘How revolting. I don't even think that.

'Why did I say it? I just wanted him to be extra careful. It's a great disinhibiter, an anaesthetic, and I'm ashamed. Luckily, he was laughing – he said, "Yes, that put me on my toes"’ How embarrassing, how revolting

She did not say what the operation was – beyond being of the 'female kind – but in  2014, she had a cancer scare and required a hysterectomy.

Her confession was reported in the Mail On Sunday two days after French recalled the  'horrifyingly scary' moment she met the late Queen Mother – and thought she was a witch.

The comic was just four when the Royal paid a visit to the army base where the family lived. 

She told This Morning on Friday: ' 'I was four. It was horrifyingly scary. 

'We'd done curtsy practice…. I was expecting unicorns and crowns and neither turned up. I'm fuming.

‘A woman in a lilac outfit smiled at me and her teeth were brown.  When you're four that's a witch. I would not speak to her.’

Published: 15 Oct 2023