Ab Fab Icons Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley Reunite for Amandaland Christmas Special

Fans of British comedy are in for a treat as Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, the beloved duo behind Absolutely Fabulous, are set to reunite on screen. They will star together in the upcoming Christmas special of the BBC sitcom Amandaland. This marks their first scripted on-screen reunion since their iconic roles as Edina and Patsy.

Key Takeaways

• Jennifer Saunders joins Joanna Lumley in the Amandaland Christmas special.

• The special airs on BBC One this December, with Series 2 following in 2026.

• This is the first scripted on-screen reunion for Saunders and Lumley since Absolutely Fabulous.

A Famed Reunion

Jennifer Saunders will portray Aunt Joan, the sister of Joanna Lumley's character, Felicity, in the festive episode of Amandaland. The BBC describes Aunt Joan as a "ball of country-living, enthusiastic upper-class bluster," a character distinct from Felicity. The reunion is highly anticipated, as Saunders and Lumley have not shared the screen in a scripted capacity since the final Absolutely Fabulous TV episode in 2012, although they appeared together in the 2016 film and a documentary.

Amandaland's Success and Future

Amandaland, a spin-off of the sitcom Motherland, has already achieved significant success. Its first series, which aired in February, has averaged 5.7 million viewers, with the first episode drawing an impressive 7.4 million viewers, making it one of the BBC's most successful new comedy launches in recent years. Production for the second series is currently underway, with new episodes scheduled to air in 2026.

Festive Cheer and Cast Excitement

Lucy Punch, who plays the titular character Amanda, expressed her enthusiasm for the Christmas special, calling it an "absolute cracker" filled with festive spirit. Co-writers Holly Walsh and Laurence Rickard also shared their excitement about returning to filming and welcomed Jennifer Saunders as a "perfect addition to the gang." Saunders herself commented on the joy of playing Lumley's on-screen sister, anticipating a "laugh" and a "family reunion SoHa style."

Sources

• Jennifer Saunders reunites with Joanna Lumley in Amandaland special, British Comedy Guide.