BBC star makes huge TV return with co-star in Christmas special

TV royalty Jennifer Saunders is expected to reunite with Joanna Lumley in an upcoming BBC Christmas special. It is the first time the pair have worked together on an on-screen project since 2016 for their Absolutely Fabulous film. The episode of Amandaland, which will be followed by a second series of the sitcom in 2026, will introduce Aunt Joan as a "ball of country-living, enthusiastic upper-class bluster." Jennifer Saunders - who will play Aunt Joan, Felicity's (Joanna Lumley) sister - said in a statement: "I am delighted to be joining the fabulous Amandaland gang for a Christmas special. Playing Joanna's on-screen sister is guaranteed to be a laugh, who doesn't love a family reunion SoHa style!"

Creator Holly Walsh and her co-writer Laurence Rickard have labelled the actress as "the perfect addition" to the cast. They continued: "It's an absolute joy to be back in SoHa (South Harlesden) again. After six months of researching Brent Council's fly tipping rules, attempting Anne's Irish accent and writing the odd bit of script, we're so excited to get filming with our amazing cast."

The BBC series is a spin-off from the BAFTA-winning sitcom Motherland, which aired for three series from 2016 to 2022. Several actors have reprised their roles, and viewers are reacquainted with the main character, Amanda Hughes (portrayed by Lucy Punch), and her friend Anne Flynn (Philippa Dunne).

Philippa, who has also appeared in shows like Derry Girls, recently disclosed that she now identifies with the characters on Motherland since becoming a mother herself. The actress welcomed a daughter, now four years old, while the show was still in production.

In an interview with Ryan Tubridy on Virgin Radio UK this year, she was asked if her perspective on the franchise had "changed" now that she's a parent, to which Philippa responded: "There was definitely a penny-dropping moment."

She further revealed that during the initial series, she questioned whether situations were being exaggerated for "entertainment purposes". However, Philippa hinted that she has since discovered elements of the show to be quite "real", reports the Mirror.

She revealed: "For the first couple of series, I didn't know what ... I thought 'is this all just ramped up for entertainment purposes or is any of this real?' And then I remember the moment like I just copped on that like, 'oh the school gates scenario was real' and it's as terrifying as it is on the TV show because it's just an explosion of sound and noise and chaos and stress [and] kind of like trying to hide and run away as quickly as possible."

Ryan probed her about a specific scene, asking: "But it all changed then? So you're watching going ... all that thing you thought was being hyped up and turned into comedy is reality."

Philippa confirmed to the host, admitting: "The screaming, the stress, the panic, the problem solving, the crying in your car, all of that. It's all real."

Amandaland can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.