The BBC has announced that Amandaland is returning to screens for a 2026 Christmas special. The Motherland spin-off series stars Lucy Punch as Amanda – a formerly wealthy mother who downsizes and moves to South Harlesden after a divorce.
Since premiering in 2025, two seasons have aired – with a third also being commissioned earlier this year. Following the show’s first Christmas special last year, it will be returning for a festive episode again in December.
Plot of the Upcoming Festive Episode
The BBC has teased of the special: “Lucy Punch returns as Amanda, the self-appointed queen of So-Ha, and after a chance encounter with an old school friend, Amanda ditches her quiet family Christmas Eve plans and instead decides to throw a massive last-minute party to impress her.
“This could be Amanda’s way back into the high-flying circle of her ex-classmates so it has to be perfect – but she soon realises that it’s not easy organising a high-end party in 24 hours; no-one impressive is available at such short notice, so she has to cast her invitation net wider and wider as the hours tick down.”
Cast and Creators' Comments
The special will also feature Daisy Haggard, of comedy drama Breeders, as Millie, Amanda’s old friend. Also returning for the Christmas special are Samuel Anderson as Mal, Rochenda Samuel as Fi, Ekow Quartey as JJ, Harriet Webb as Abs, Cavan Clerkin as Daniel, Rosie Cavaliero as Claire, Alexander Shaw as Manus, Miley Locke as Georgie, Anya McKenna-Bruce as Morten and Archie Smith as Ned.
Punch said: “There’s mistletoe, cheese straws and a middle-aged, wannabe sexy Santa. We are all delighted to be back again for an Amandaland Xmas spesh.”
Writer and director Holly Walsh and writer Laurence Rickard said: “We are utterly thrilled that the BBC have given us the ultimate Christmas present of another special – and an hour long one at that. Cameras are now rolling and we are so sure that you’ll love this gift we’ve got for you, we’re not even enclosing the receipt.”
Awards and Viewership Success
BBC commissioning editor Seb Barwell added that last year’s special “proved to be the Christmas tradition we didn’t know we needed, so we’re delighted to have Amanda and friends back for another one”. “This brilliant team have gifted us a bumper hour-long episode, stuffed with all the humour and heart you could wish for.”
Amandaland’s 2025 Christmas special became the UK’s most-watched comedy episode of the year, drawing 7.4 million viewers over 28 days, as per the BBC. The first season also won best scripted comedy at the 2026 Bafta TV Awards, while Punch and co-star Philippa Dunne were also nominated in the female performance in a comedy category alongside Jennifer Saunders for the 2025 Christmas special.
The commissioning of the third season of the show was announced at the BBC Comedy Festival in Liverpool in May. At the time, Barwell said: “Amanda and friends continue to capture the hearts of the nation, so we’re delighted to announce a third series and to keep up our co-lab with this amazing team.”
