Amandaland Christmas Special Delivers Star-Studded Festive Reunion
AbFab Legends Reunite for BBC Christmas Treat
The Amandaland Christmas Special airs on Christmas Day at 9.15pm, marking a significant moment for British television fans. The episode features an Absolutely Fabulous reunion, with Joanna Lumley reprising her role as Amanda’s sardonic mother Felicity, and Jennifer Saunders joining the cast as Felicity’s younger sister, Aunt Joan. This festive special represents the first on-screen scripted reunion for Jennifer and Joanna since AbFab, generating considerable excitement among viewers.
A Cotswolds Christmas Gone Wrong
Amanda and family head to Aunt Joan’s country house, but plans change when Mal and Anne tag along, and she struggles to recreate the magical Christmases she spent there as a child. Aunt Joan is hosting Christmas at her country house for the family, but she and sister Felicity have never got on. Resurfaced family drama will not only trample all over the festive spirit, but also provide plenty of laughs. Mal uncovers a photo that hints at a long-buried family secret, adding intrigue to the holiday celebrations.
Series Success and Future Prospects
The show averaged 5.7 million viewers to date, establishing Amandaland as a worthy successor to its parent series, Motherland. The BBC has confirmed that the hit comedy will return for a festive special ahead of its second series in 2026, demonstrating the broadcaster’s confidence in the show’s continued appeal. The Christmas special serves as a bridge between series one and the upcoming second series, keeping audiences engaged during the festive season.
Why This Special Matters
The Amandaland Christmas Special represents more than just another festive episode. It brings together comedy royalty in a fresh context, offering fans the reunion they’ve craved while introducing these beloved performers to a new generation of viewers. It’s free to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, making it accessible to all licence holders. As families gather for Christmas Day viewing, this special promises to deliver both nostalgia and fresh comedy, cementing its place in the increasingly competitive landscape of British Christmas television.