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Dawn French dumped as face and full figure of Terry's Chocolate Orange
Last updated at 10:09am on 30.08.07Buxom comedian Dawn French has been dropped by Terry's Chocolate Orange after more than 10 years promoting the product.
While the company insists it was "time to move on", others have suggested the decision was made because her weight made her an undesirable role model amidst fears over increased obesity levels.
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Dumped: after 10 years in the role, Dawn French has been dropped by Terry's Chocolate Orange
The Vicar of Dibley star, who made the "It's not Terry's, it's mine" catch cry famous, has been a spokesperson for the company since 1997.
Trade journal Marketing said: "Insiders have speculated that French was no longer presenting the right image for the company in the current climate of concerns over obesity and health."
Terry's denied such claims, with marketing manager Stephanie Lea saying: "We are grateful to Dawn for the major impact she has had on our advertising and for the value that she has added over the last 10 years.
"After such a long partnership we feel that the campaign has run its course and we are in the process of developing different work.
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End is near: the 49-year-old actress says she expects to die young
French has in fact spoken of her plans to wind down her career because of her firm belief that she will die young.
Despite insisting she is fit and healthy, she said she was "resigned" to the idea, and revealed she intends to move to Cornwall because she wants to spend the rest of her life there.
She said: "I've never thought I'd live to be very old. I've always felt that. So by 50 I want to be down there (Cornwall)."
The actress revealed she wants to die "slowly and nicely, in great surroundings, with my family. It is a bit shocking isn't it?"
In the meantime, she is set to return to screens next month in the BBC1 series, A Bucket of French and Saunders.
Reader views (3)
I truly believe Dawn shouldn't have been dropped.
Dawn is a fabulous role model. So let's be logical here. Why would someone intentionally become 'obese' over a advertisement.
If this so called 'Bad role model' thing has taken effect on people lets face it - it's their decision in the end. Plus with all the media pressures around us it wouldn't take long for them to change their minds.
- Naomi, Norwich
I truly believe Dawn shouldn't have been dropped.
Dawn is a fabulous role model. So let's be logical here. Why would someone intentionally become 'obese' over a advertisement.
If this so called 'Bad role model' thing has taken effect on people lets face it - it's their decision in the end. Plus with all the media pressures around us it wouldn't take long for them to change their minds.
- Naomi, Norwich
If Dawn French's weight is a problem for the advertisers of Terry's chocolate maybe they should consider whether they should be advertising it at all. She wasn't slim to start with so why did they use her? Both sides have done well out of it so forget the rubbish and call it quits.
- Lesley, Watford, UK
