Dawn French is "properly happy" following her eight stone weight loss.

Dawn French

Dawn French

The 61-year-old actress and comedian started her weight loss journey in 2014 and credited her massive transformation to a healthy diet and walking. The 'Vicar of Dibley' star has also found love with charity worker, Mark Bignell, after divorcing Sir Lenny Henry after 25 years of marriage in 2010 and a pal has revealed that Dawn is finally "content" with her figure, marriage and work life.

Speaking to Woman magazine, a friend of Dawn's said: "Dawn is on the other end of the scale now - properly happy. She's content in her marriage and work-wise she is making 'Glass Houses.'"

Dawn previously insisted she's at a "very happy part" of her life.

She said: "I'm at a very happy part of my life now. I take vitamins, I exercise, I live in Cornwall - life is good in many ways and I think it shows."

Dawn will next be seen in new ITV comedy-drama 'Glass Houses' and is very excited to be part of a stellar cast which includes Mike Heap, Julie Hesmondhalgh, Vicki Pepperdine and Patrick Robinson in the six-part series.

Dawn will portray Maggie Connors, a village gossip who gives a revealing interview to a local radio journalist about the locals and their personal lives causing much commotion. Green Wing's Heap will play Maggie's husband Peter.

Speaking about the role, Dawn previously said: "It's such a good story with a fantastic funny, touching script by Mark Brotherhood. Let me at it!"