Dawn French returns to BBC One tonight in a brand new sitcom as the broadcaster unveils its latest prime time comedy offering, Can You Keep A Secret?, airing at 9pm.

The show marks a welcome comeback to mainstream television comedy for the much loved actor, best known for her iconic role in The Vicar of Dibley.

What Time is Can You Keep A Secret on?

The new comedy airs at 9pm on BBC One HD, with further episodes expected to follow weekly if audiences keep the secret and keep tuning in.

French stars as Debbie Fendon, a seemingly ordinary widow whose life is built on a rather extraordinary lie. Despite appearances, Debbie is not widowed at all — her husband William is very much alive, having been mistakenly declared dead and quietly hidden away in the loft.

William is played by Mark Heap, whose flair for offbeat comedy makes him perfectly cast as a man forced to live in secrecy. The couple’s plan is simple enough: keep William out of sight just long enough for the insurance payout to land.

As expected, maintaining the ruse proves anything but straightforward. The pressure intensifies when their son Harry, played by Craig Roberts, comes back into the picture along with his wife Neha, a police officer portrayed by Mandip Gill.

With the law effectively sitting at the family dinner table, every interaction becomes a potential disaster. The comedy thrives on near misses, overheard conversations and the constant threat that William’s unlikely hiding place will finally be discovered.

The series is written by Simon Mayhew-Archer, best known for his work on This Country. His script blends traditional British farce with modern family dynamics, creating a sitcom that feels both nostalgic and current.

Early signs suggest the BBC is positioning the show as a dependable midweek ratings draw, leaning heavily on French’s comic timing and broad appeal. Her performance anchors the chaos, offering warmth and mischief in equal measure.

Tonight’s episode forms part of a busy evening of television, with reality hit The Traitors airing earlier on BBC One and a range of dramas and factual shows across rival channels. But for viewers craving a classic style sitcom with a contemporary twist, Can You Keep A Secret? is likely to be the standout pick.