Fans of classic British comedy were treated to a delightful reunion this week as iconic duo Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders made a joint appearance at a special screening in London. The pair, beloved for their roles as Patsy and Edina in Absolutely Fabulous, came together to celebrate the upcoming Amandaland Christmas special, marking their first on-screen collaboration since the 2016 Ab Fab movie.
A Festive Sister Act
The festive episode of the hit Motherland spin-off sees Lumley, 79, reprising her role as the wicked Felicity Sanderson, mother to the show's protagonist Amanda, played by Lucy Punch. Saunders, 67, joins the cast in a guest role as Felicity's sister, Joan. Described as a world away from her sibling, Joan is a ball of country-living and enthusiastic upper-class bluster.
"I am delighted to be joining the fabulous Amandaland gang for a Christmas special," gushed comedy icon Jennifer Saunders. "Playing Joanna's on-screen sister is guaranteed to be a laugh, who doesn't love a family reunion SoHa style!" She also heaped praise on the show's writers, stating she read the script and immediately thought, "this is it. This is great. It's just really well written."
Not Patsy and Edina 2.0
While the reunion will thrill fans, Joanna Lumley was quick to manage expectations, stressing that their new characters are a far cry from their famous Ab Fab alter egos. "We were playing characters as far from Edina and Patsy as can be imagined," she clarified. Despite the different dynamic, Lumley voiced her joy at working with her old friend again, saying, "Everyone adored having her there, especially me, and it all felt empty when the Christmas episode was over and she had gone."
The official synopsis suggests the on-screen sisters' reunion may be less than joyful. The episode follows Amanda and her family as they head to Aunt Joan’s country house, with plans derailed when friends Mal and Anne tag along. Felicity is said to be increasingly irritated by her sister’s constant high spirits, while a hidden photo discovered by Mal seems to reveal a deep family secret.
A Hit Show's Festive Return
Amandaland, which first premiered in February, has proven to be a major success for the BBC. The show, focusing on a recently divorced mum juggling parenting, a new relationship, and school-gate friendships, averaged 6.4 million views, making it the broadcaster's second-biggest comedy launch. A second series has already been confirmed.
The star-studded cast, including Lucy Punch, Phillippa Dunne, and Samuel Anderson, attended the BFI Southbank screening in style. Punch looked chic in a cream satin blouse and velvet bowtie, while Dunne sported trendy animal-print jeans. Punch expressed her excitement for the special, declaring, "The Christmas special is going to be an absolute cracker – it’s like totes fire, with all the festive feels, for reals. Slay bells!"
The first trailer for the special, released last week, hints at the chaotic country house gathering. While Joan is overjoyed by the visit, Felicity's enthusiasm is notably absent. The Amandaland Christmas Special will air on BBC One and iPlayer at 9:15pm on Christmas Day.
