Geraldine enters the Vatican

Geraldine Granger, the controversial female Vicar of Dibley, will be airing her opinions at the heart of the Roman Catholic Church.

14:54 21 June 2004

Geraldine Granger, the controversial female Vicar of Dibley, will be airing her opinions at the heart of the Roman Catholic Church.

The news comes after BBC has signed a deal to broadcast its BBC Prime channel throughout Italy from August 1st.

Along with "The Vicar of Dibley", lesbian drama series "Tipping the Velvet", sitcom "Fawlty Towers", and reality fashion show "What Not To Wear", could all be added to the Papal viewing schedule.

Currently BBC Prime has 15 million subscribers across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.

A spokesman for BBC Prime said: "We will be broadcasting in the Vatican for the first time and we hope all of our shows provide excellent entertainment."

Around 2.6 million Italian households will have the new channel available, and subtitles will be provided for a selection of prime time programmes.