Comedy legend Dame Joanna Lumley has disclosed she issued a playful yet forceful ultimatum to her former Absolutely Fabulous co-star Jennifer Saunders to secure their first on-screen reunion in seven years. The revelation came during a special screening event in London.
A Threatening Email Seals the Deal
Speaking at a preview of the Amandaland Christmas special at BFI Southbank, Lumley, 79, explained how she was determined to lure Saunders, 67, back to the BBC. "When I heard the notion that it might be Jennifer, I actually emailed Jennifer and said, 'If the script comes your way, do it, or I'll have to kill you,'" the actress revealed. The pair last shared the screen in the 2016 film Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, where they famously played the champagne-swilling duo Edina and Patsy.
Saunders, whose BBC comedy career spans decades, happily acquiesced to her old friend's demand. She described the opportunity to appear in the hit Motherland spin-off as "an absolute gift." "I am delighted to be joining the fabulous Amandaland gang for a Christmas special," the comedy icon said. "It was really good fun just hanging out."
Playing Sisters, Not Bickering Friends
In Amandaland, Lumley stars as Felicity Sanderson, the wicked mother of the title character Amanda, played by Lucy Punch. Saunders guest-stars as Felicity's sister, Joan. Despite their decades of friendship and iconic partnership, Dame Joanna insisted this new dynamic felt entirely fresh.
"Because we know each other, we never think of it as being on screen," she noted. "The difference here, of course, is that we're playing sisters. When we were doing Ab Fab we just knew how they would be. We've never played these two." This marks a significant shift from their roles as perpetually sparring friends in the classic sitcom.
A Bright Spot for the BBC Amidst Crisis
The warm reunion offers a celebratory moment for the BBC, which has faced a tumultuous year of crises and high-profile resignations. The launch of Amandaland itself has been a major success for the corporation; it averaged 6.4 million viewers upon its debut in February, quickly becoming the BBC's second biggest comedy launch. Filming for a second series is now underway.
When asked about the ongoing controversy surrounding a $10 billion lawsuit from Donald Trump over an edited Panorama clip, Saunders suggested the broadcaster should focus on its entertainment strengths. "We definitely need more comedy," she replied. The corporation is bracing for a legal battle that could cost up to £75 million, following an internal report that accused it of bias and censorship, leading to the departures of director-general Sir Tim Davie and BBC News chief Deborah Turness.
For now, however, the return of one of British comedy's most beloved duos in the Amandaland Christmas special provides a welcome dose of festive cheer and highlights the enduring power of the BBC's comedy output.
