Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are set to reunite for a Christmas special of the Motherland spin-off Amandaland, marking their first on-screen collaboration since Absolutely Fabulous. Saunders plays Aunt Joan, who is hosting Christmas at her country house, while Lumley appears as her sister Felicity. The pair have never got on, and resurfaced family drama threatens to ruin the festivities.
The special is one of several festive highlights in the 2025 Christmas TV schedule. Other notable programmes include a Strictly Come Dancing festive special featuring All Saints star Melanie Blatt, which will also be the last show for presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after announcing their exit in October.
Kate Winslet makes her directorial debut with a new festive film Goodbye June, written by her son Joe Anders. The film follows siblings trying to put aside their disputes for the sake of their mother, played by Dame Helen Mirren, who is undergoing palliative care at Christmas.
Other highlights include a Peep Show special on The Great British Bake Off, with Olivia Colman and David Mitchell competing for the Star Baker title. The Princess of Wales also hosts her fifth annual carol service at Westminster Abbey, with readings from Katie Melua and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
