A new Dawn: Funnygirl Ms French shows off three stone weight loss at Glamour awards after overhauling her diet

By Ben Todd

Last updated at 11:45 AM on 9th June 2011

She says her priorities are her daughter, writing, chocolate and kissing.

But not so much of the chocolate these days, it seems.

Dawn French, who once tipped the scales at 19 stone, looked a new woman at an awards ceremony in London.

Because The Vicar Of Dibley star has lost three stone since her divorce from comedian Lenny Henry, the Mail has learned.

Shrinking woman: Dawn French looked like she'd lost quite a bit of weight as she arrived on the red carpet at the the 2011 Glamour Women of the Year Awards in Berkeley Square, London, last night

Shrinking woman: Dawn French looks slimmer as she arrives at the 2011 Glamour Women of the Year Awards in Berkeley Square, London

Weightloss: The self-confessed chocaholic has definitely lost a few pounds (L) compared to this time last year (R)
Weightloss: The self-confessed chocaholic has definitely lost a few pounds (L) compared to this time last year (R)

Weight loss: The self-confessed chocaholic has slimmed down, left, compared to this time last year, right, not long after her split from her husband at the time, Lenny Henry

A friend said: ‘She hasn’t been dieting excessively or anything like that. She’s just been healthy eating.

‘It’s that simple. Dawn is generally taking care of her health and is feeling very happy.’

The weight loss had nothing to do with her split from Henry, 52, the friend added.

Miss French announced their separation 14 months ago and their divorce after 25 years of marriage was finalised in October.

Good time girls: Dawn with friends Davina McCall and Tess Daly at the Glamour Awards after party bash last night

Good time girls: Dawn French with friends Davina McCall and Tess Daly at the Glamour Awards after party last night

Winner: Dawn landed the Writer Of The Year Award at the bash for her books including last year's A Tiny Bit Marvellous

Winner: Dawn won Writer Of The Year Award for her books including last year's A Tiny Bit Marvellous

Beaming: The former Vicar Of Dibley star cuddled up to So You Think You Can Dance judge Louise Redknapp at the do too

Beaming: The former Vicar Of Dibley star cuddled up to So You Think You Can Dance judge Louise Redknapp at the do too

At the Glamour magazine awards, Miss French, 53, won Writer of the Year for her first fictional novel, A Tiny Bit Marvellous.

The novel, which tells the story of a family melting down as the mother approaches 50, will be released in paperback this month.

She was accompanied by her adopted daughter Billie, 19. Accepting her award on Tuesday, Miss French revealed her priorities to be, ‘my daughter, writing, chocolate and kissing’.

She once famously said: ‘As far as I’m concerned there are two types of women, the ones who like chocolate and complete bitches.’

Saucy: Dawn was seen doing a spot of shopping at a Soho branch of sex shop Ann Summers last month

Saucy: Dawn was seen doing a spot of shopping at a Soho branch of sex shop Ann Summers last month

But she has been criticised by a diet expert for her stance in the past. Clinical nutritionist Mary Strugar said: ‘Dawn French is one our most loved comediennes but she has also, perhaps unwittingly, become a role model for the obese.

‘Her “big is beautiful” statements are sending the wrong signals.’

Despite her svelte look, the actress, who is just 5ft, insists she’s still single.

In an interview in October, she had hinted she was dating again, saying: ‘I’m not lonely, let’s put it that way.’

And last month, Miss French was seen shopping at lingerie specialists Ann Summers. She was later spotted with a mystery man.

But one friend said: ‘Dawn insists there isn’t anybody.’

Happy: The funnygirl had been seen out with a mystery man on her shopping trip after hinting that she was seeing someone

Happy: The funnygirl was spotted with a mystery man on her shopping trip after hinting that she was seeing someone

2011 GLAMOUR WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS WINNERS

Presenter of the Year - Davina McCall

Designer of the Year - Sarah Burton

Filmmaker of the Year - Jane Goldman

Theatre Actress of the Year - Naomie Harris

TV Personality of the Year - Dannii Minogue

Pandora Breakthrough of the Year - Ellie Goulding

Writer of the Year - Dawn French

Sportswoman of the Year - Jessica Ennis

Band of the Year - The Saturdays

Accessory Designer of the Year - Victoria Beckham

Radio Personality of the Year - Fearne Cotton

TV Actress of the Year - Lenora Crichlow

Comedy Actress of the Year - Miranda Hart

Entrepreneur of the Year - Kim Kardashian

UK Solo Artist of the Year - Adele Adkins

Film Actress of the Year - Gemma Arterton

Woman of Tomorrow - Jessie J

Editor's Special Award - Rosie Huntington Whiteley

Man of the Year - Garrett Hedlund

Outstanding Contribution - Stevie Nicks