The cast of the highly anticipated Amandaland Christmas Special has been officially announced, featuring a reunion of beloved figures from the classic series Absolutely Fabulous. Set to air this festive season, the special follows Amanda and her family as they gather at Aunt Joan’s country house, a place filled with cherished childhood memories.
In this new adventure, Amanda, played by Lucy Punch, is joined by her friends and family, including Anne and Mal, whose unexpected presence complicates her plans. The official synopsis from the BBC highlights Amanda’s struggle to recreate the magical Christmases of her youth, while her friend Anne grapples with feelings of separation from her own family. Additionally, Mal discovers a hidden photo that unveils a significant family secret, adding depth to the storyline.
Meet the Cast
Lucy Punch, known for her roles in Ella Enchanted and Hot Fuzz, takes on the lead role as Amanda, a divorced mother of two. The 47-year-old actress, originally from Hammersmith, is currently in a relationship with artist Dinos Chapman, with whom she has two children.
Joining her is Philippa Dunne as Anne, Amanda’s friend and fellow school mum. The Irish actress has gained recognition for her performances in Derry Girls and This Is Going to Hurt. Dunne, who hails from County Dublin, welcomed her first child in 2020, who notably appeared as her daughter in Motherland.
The iconic Joanna Lumley portrays Amanda’s glamorous mother, Felicity. At 79 years old, Lumley has an impressive filmography that includes Absolutely Fabulous and Finding Alice. She received the honor of being made a Dame in the 2022 New Year Honours List.
Samuel Anderson plays Mal, Amanda’s reluctant friend and neighbor. The 43-year-old actor has a background in shows like Emmerdale and Trollied. Details about his personal life remain largely private.
Aunt Joan is brought to life by Jennifer Saunders, who reunites with her Absolutely Fabulous co-star. Saunders, 67, is celebrated for her roles in Coraline and Shrek 2. She shares her life with husband Adrian Edmondson, and together they have three children and five grandchildren.
Young talents Miley Locke and Alexander Shaw round out the cast, portraying Georgie and Manus, respectively. Locke has appeared in The Royals and Grantchester, while Shaw’s role brings fresh energy to the family dynamic.
As viewers prepare for this festive reunion, the Amandaland Christmas Special promises to blend nostalgia with new family challenges, appealing to both long-time fans and new audiences alike.
