Dawn French erupted in a fierce "body shaming" rant, apparently in response to the pictures of Andy Burnham and his wife Marie-France van Heel outside No 10. Downing Street. Last week, the former Mayor of Manchester became the new Labour leader after Sir Keir Starmer resigned after two years in office. But his doting wife has received a wave of negative comments about her figure in the proud picture as she beamed beside her husband.

On Friday (July 24), the Vicar of Dibley took to Instagram to share a video of herself where she hit out at "bullying" in regards to comments about a woman whom she doesn't name. The 68-year-old actress began: "So, a woman... a human, normal woman standing there, and all you can talk about is her dress and her body.

"How dare you body shame her? This is a bright woman who speaks lots of languages; she's run businesses; she's faced challenges you wouldn't even begin to imagine.

"You wouldn't have the f***ing courage for it. Stop it! Stop bullying people! It's a human being with a human body!" The comedian certainly didn't mince her words in the caption either, writing: "STOP BODY SHAMING PEOPLE YOU UTTER C***SHRIMPS!!!"

Her comments appear to be in response to the online reaction surrounding Ms van Hee's appearance alongside the new Prime Minister after she joined her husband at Buckingham Palace for his meeting with King Charles.

The doting wife opted for a pastel blue dress by Victoria Beckham for the memorable occasion, which sparked an immediate response from trolls about her appearance online, who have been described as "sexist" and "shameful". It didn't take long for French's fans to flock to the comments section to share her frustration online.

One user penned: "I am HORRIFIED by the vitriol Andy Burnham's wife is being subjected to." Another agreed: "Seriously?? Am I right in thinking she's talking about the new prime minister's wife?" If so, Dawn is so right."

Thousands of others also commented on their support, including celebrities such as Paloma Faith, who cheered: "Love you Dawn!" and Surrane Jones, who simply shared a series of heart emojis.

Both Vicky Pattison and Bodyguard star Keeley Hawes commented several hand-clapping emojis. van Heel, who was brought up in the Netherlands and Belgium, met Burnham while the pair were studying at the University of Cambridge.

The couple tied the knot in 2000 and share a son, Jimmy, and two daughters, Rosie and Annie. After working in marketing and strategy for several years, van Heel was involved in the logo designs for the BBC and England Rugby.