New images released from Amandaland Christmas special

All our Christmas wishes have been answered! Not only have the BBC confirmed a second series of hit sitcom Amandaland, they've now announced there's going to be a Christmas special this festive season, AND it will see Absolutely Fabulous legends Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders reunite!

Alongside cast members Lucy Punch, Joanna Lumley and Philippa Dunne, Jennifer Saunders will join the cast for the Christmas special, making it the first scripted on-screen reunion for Jennifer and Joanna since Absolutely Fabulous.

Jennifer will play the role of Aunt Joan, Felicity’s (Joanna Lumley) sister. The BBC describe Aunty Joan as: 'A ball of country-living, enthusiastic upper-class bluster – very, very different from Felicity. This very special episode will be the first scripted on-screen reunion for Jennifer and Joanna since Absolutely Fabulous.

Speaking about her involvement in the upcoming special, Jennifer said: "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!"

When will the Christmas special be on?

It's now been announced the Christmas special will air at 9.15pm on Christmas Day (25th December).

On Tuesday 9th December, a selection of first look images from the Christmas special were released, showing Aunt Joan (Jennifer Saunders), Anne (Philippa Dunne), Mal (Samuel Anderson), Amanda (Lucy Punch), Manus (Alexander Shaw), Georgie (Miley Locke), and Felicity (Joanna Lumley).

Is there going to be a second series?

In addition to the Christmas special, filming has now begun for series two of Amandaland, after the first series gained a huge 5.7 million viewers to date.

Episode one, which first hit screens in February this year, attracted 7.4 million viewers, making it the BBC’s second biggest new comedy launch in recent years, behind Ludwig.

Co-writer and creator Holly Walsh and co-writer Laurence Rickard say: "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. We're thrilled to bits to have a Christmas special and Jennifer Saunders is the perfect addition to the gang."

Lucy Punch, who plays Amanda in the sitcom, added: "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 is Amandaland?

Amandaland is a spin-off to comedy series Motherland, and follows a recently divorced woman called Amanda navigating parenting two teenagers in new surroundings after downsizing and moving to South Harlesden in London.

You can watch series one of Amandaland on BBC iPlayer now.

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