Joanna Lumley jokingly admits she had to persuade her friend and Absolutely Fabulous colleague, Jennifer Saunders, to participate in the Amandaland Christmas special – and she did it by playfully threatening her!
Joanna Lumley, who plays Felicity, Amanda’s mother, in the new series, recently spoke at a screening in London. She explained that working with Jennifer Saunders feels natural because they’re already friends, but she noted the unique aspect of this project: they’re playing sisters on screen.
On the Christmas Day special broadcast on BBC One, Jennifer Saunders played the role of Joan, Felicity’s sister and Amanda’s aunt.
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Honestly, when I first heard they were hoping Jennifer would take the role, I was so excited I actually emailed her! I jokingly told her, ‘If you get the script, you have to do it, or I’ll be furious!’ I just knew she’d absolutely nail the part and bring something amazing to it.
Honestly, getting to be part of the Amandaland cast and crew was amazing. It was a total blast, and just hanging out with everyone on set was really fun!
The highly-rated Amandaland special showed Amanda trying to create a wonderfully magical Christmas for her children.
Amanda and her family are going to Aunt Joan’s house in the countryside, but their trip gets a little more complicated when Mal and Anne decide to join them. Amanda hopes to relive the special Christmas memories she has of the place, but finds it difficult to do so.
Anne is heartbroken about being away from her family, and Felicity is growing annoyed by her sister’s relentlessly cheerful attitude. At the same time, Mal discovers a photograph that hints at a long-held family secret…
During an appearance on The One Show this month, Punch described seeing Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders reunited as “amazing.” She said they were incredibly warm and generous, and surprisingly approachable, making the experience wonderful. She believes the show will be a hit, as viewers have been eager to see the pair together again.
The show has a fresh feel because the actors are playing sisters. While they have distinct personalities, the story is funny and genuinely heartwarming, especially with the Christmas setting.
The Amandaland Christmas special is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
The latest issue of Living Legends is out now, and it’s dedicated to the incredible Dolly Parton! You can find “Dolly at 80” at newsagents and online for only £8.99.
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2025-12-28 14:49