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break of dawn

Dawn French ‘still a bit broken’ after Lenny Henry divorce as she turns 60

DAWN French is still "a bit broken" by her divorce from Lenny Henry.

The Vicar of Dibley star left fans shocked in April 2010 when she and Lenny announced they were separating after 25 years of marriage.

 Dawn French has admitted she is still a 'bit broken' by her divorce from Lenny Henry
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Dawn French has admitted she is still a 'bit broken' by her divorce from Lenny HenryCredit: Trevor Leighton
 The couple were married for 25 years but announced their separation in 2010
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The couple were married for 25 years but announced their separation in 2010Credit: Rex Features

Their divorce was finalised later that year, and Dawn went on to marry charity worker Mark Bignell in April 2013.

But despite being happily married again, Dawn - who celebrated her 60th birthday on Wednesday - has revealed her divorce still has an effect on her.

Admitting she is still a "bit broken" by it, she told The Mirror: "I have mended myself. I have seen what happens if you stay broken.

"When I was single I found my new self. But I think it is OK to grieve over a relationship."

 Dawn is now happily married to second husband Mark Bignell
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Dawn is now happily married to second husband Mark BignellCredit: Flynet Pictures
 The couple tied the knot in April 2013
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The couple tied the knot in April 2013Credit: Flynet Pictures


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In fact, Dawn's milestone birthday has left her in somewhat of a reflective mood.

She continued: "I am enjoying the place I'm in. I realise I'm right there in autumn and I can't see the point in resisting it.

"This is what 60 looks like."

Indeed, the funnywoman looks better than ever in a black and white photo taken by photographer Trevor Leighton to commemorate her birthday.

 Dawn recently celebrated her 60th birthday
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Dawn recently celebrated her 60th birthdayCredit: Getty - Contributor
 Dawn said it's natural to grieve for a relationship but she has 'mended' herself
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Dawn said it's natural to grieve for a relationship but she has 'mended' herselfCredit: Rex Features

With her hair a little longer and tousled around her shoulders, Dawn looks beautiful as she smiles and looks off to the side of the camera.

Her happiness is in part down to moving back to Cornwall with Mark, 53.

 Dawn has moved back to Cornwall with Mark and says its been just the tonic she needed
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Dawn has moved back to Cornwall with Mark and says its been just the tonic she neededCredit: Rex Features

She explained: "I've gone back to where my family are. The sense of my mum is there and that is home for me.

"I find quiet there. I have been noisy all my life and loved it but essentially I am a quiet person."



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