The beloved BBC comedy Amandaland is heading back to screens this Christmas with an unmissable special that marks a major television moment. The show’s creators have announced that comedy legend Jennifer Saunders will join the festive episode, reuniting with her Absolutely Fabulous co-star Joanna Lumley for the first time in a scripted on-screen project since their iconic work together in the nineties.
A Fabulous Addition to the Cast
Jennifer Saunders, 67, will take on the role of Aunt Joan, the sister of Felicity—Amanda’s glamorous mother played by Joanna Lumley—and aunt to protagonist Amanda, played by Lucy Punch. Aunt Joan presents a striking contrast to Felicity’s refined elegance. The character has been described by the BBC as “a ball of country-living, enthusiastic upper-class bluster—very, very different from Felicity,” offering audiences a fresh dynamic and comedic potential with her vibrant upper-class charm.
Saunders herself expressed genuine delight at the casting, saying: “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!”
A Historic Reunion
This Christmas special represents a significant moment in British television history. The last time Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley appeared together on screen in a scripted project was during the early to mid-nineties run of Absolutely Fabulous, the groundbreaking series that made them household names. While the duo reunited for a one-off special called Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out on Gold last year alongside Julia Sawalha and Jane Horrocks, this Amandaland Christmas special marks their first return to a full scripted narrative together in decades.
The creators Holly Walsh and Laurence Rickard expressed their enthusiasm about the casting: “We’re thrilled to bits to have a Christmas special and Jennifer Saunders is the perfect addition to the gang. Playing Joanna’s on-screen sister is guaranteed to be a laugh”.
The Return of Amandaland
The Amandaland Christmas special arrives ahead of the show’s second series, which will premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in 2026. The first series proved to be a massive success for the BBC, averaging 5.7 million viewers to date, with the debut episode attracting 7.4 million viewers, making it the BBC’s second-biggest new comedy launch in recent years.
Lucy Punch, who plays Amanda, expressed her excitement about both the Christmas special and series two: “I’m beyond excited to get started on Amandaland series two with our brilliantly talented, lovely cast. The Christmas special is going to be an absolute cracker—it’s like totes fire, with all the festive feels, for reals. Slay bells!”
What to Expect
The Christmas special will reunite audiences with the principal cast members including Lucy Punch as Amanda, Joanna Lumley as her mother Felicity, and Philippa Dunne as Anne. While specific plot details remain under wraps, viewers can expect the show’s signature blend of chaos, humor, and heartfelt moments, likely with Amanda’s characteristic competitive spirit extending into holiday preparations and decorations.
The show, created by Sharon Horgan, Holly Walsh, Helen Serafinowicz, and Barunka O’Shaughnessy, is written by Walsh and Laurence Rickard and produced by Arnold Widdowson. The series is distributed globally by Lionsgate.
While the BBC has not yet confirmed an exact broadcast date for the Christmas special, it is confirmed to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer during the 2025 festive season. For updates on scheduling and additional details, viewers can check the official BBC website: BBC Amandaland.
