Jennifer Saunders will guest star in the festive episode

Filming is underway on a Christmas special of Motherland spin-off, Amandaland, starring Lucy Punch and Joanna Lumley.

Jennifer Saunders joins the cast for the one-off festive episode, playing Aunt Joan, Felicity’s (Lumley) sister, marking the first scripted, on-screen reunion for the Absolutely Fabulous co-stars.

Amandaland is produced by Merman; the first series averaged 5.7m viewers to date with the launch episode drawing 7.4m. The comedy was created by Merman‘s Sharon Horgan with Holly Walsh, Helen Serafinowicz and Barunka O’Shaughnessy.

Series Two is written by Holly Walsh and Laurence Rickard and is produced by Arnold Widdowson. The BBC commissioning editor is Tanya Qureshi; Lionsgate distributes the series worldwide.

Lead actor Punch said: “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!”

Co-writer and creator Walsh and co-writer Rickard added: “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.”