The critically acclaimed British comedy series is making a comeback, and its lead actresses are sharing insights into the show’s charm, their real-life interactions with the public, and their long-standing professional relationship.
In a vibrant North London television studio, an atmosphere of cheerful anticipation prevails. The set is buzzing with activity, featuring a group of singing teenagers and a roaming dog. Even during an interview, Joanna Lumley, known for her elegance, took a moment to gracefully decline a packed tangerine from a catering staff member. “My dear, I’m incredibly grateful, but I don’t need it boxed this time; it can travel by itself,” she explained with her characteristic purr, despite being clad in a warm mustard puffer jacket against the December chill.
The conversation then turned to “Amandaland,” the successful spin-off from the BAFTA-winning show “Motherland.” Created by a talented team including Sharon Horgan, Barunka O’Shaughnessy, Helen Serafinowicz, Laurence Rickard, and Holly Walsh, the series shifts its focus to the flamboyant character Amanda, played by Lucy Punch, and her mother, Felicity, portrayed by Lumley. The show has achieved significant success, with its Christmas special, a reunion featuring Jennifer Saunders as Aunt Joan, becoming the most-watched comedy during the 2025 festive period, drawing an audience of 7.4 million viewers.
Joanna Lumley and Lucy Punch Discuss the Revival of Comedy Hit ‘Amandaland’
The funniest British television comedy is back, with its stars reflecting on the show’s relatable “scruffiness,” memorable encounters with the public, and their two-decade-long bond.
English Translation:
In a North London TV studio, there’s a sense of unpredictability in the air. A group of singing teenagers are on set; there’s a dog wandering around; and just down the hall in the canteen, Joanna Lumley paused our interview to very politely ask a catering lady not to pack her tangerine for her. “Darling, I literally cry with gratitude, but I don’t need it in a box this time; it can travel on its own,” she purrs. She’s as poised as you might imagine – even if she looks ready for an arctic expedition, wrapped in a big mustard puffer jacket against the December cold. “Sorry, I’ve gone off on a tangent.” We’re talking about “Amandaland,” the funniest and biggest comedy on British TV. Masterminded by the crack team of Sharon Horgan, Barunka O’Shaughnessy, Helen Serafinowicz, Laurence Rickard, and Holly Walsh, this spin-off of the BAFTA-winning “Motherland” has shifted the focus from the perma-stressed Julia (Anna Maxwell Martin) to the pretentious side character Amanda (Lucy Punch) and her mother, Felicity, played by Lumley. The show has been an undeniable hit, with the Christmas special – an Absolutely Fabulous reunion set at Aunt Joan’s (Jennifer Saunders) decrepit country pile – the most-watched comedy over 2025’s festive season, with 7.4 million viewers.