Amandaland cast: Who stars in the Christmas special?
It’s Christmas, and Amanda is determined to relive the magical Christmases of her childhood — but it proves to be anything but.
This Christmas, Amandaland makes its festive debut – and to mark the occasion, Jennifer Saunders joins the cast as Amanda's Aunt Joan, who is hosting this year.
"Amanda and the family head to Aunt Joan’s country house, but the plans change when Mal and Anne tag along and she struggles to recreate the magical Christmases she spent there as a child," the official synopsis reads.
"Felicity is increasingly irritated by her sister's constant high spirits", while Anne is "in despair at being separated from her family".
Elsewhere, "Mal sees a hidden photo that seems to reveal a deep family secret…"
Find a full rundown of the Amandaland Christmas special cast below.
Read more:
- Amandaland's Joanna Lumley teases Jennifer Saunders reunion: 'As far from Edina and Patsy as you can imagine'
- Amandaland star teases Christmas special reunion for Absolutely Fabulous icons as Jennifer Saunders joins cast
Amandaland cast
- Lucy Punch as Amanda
- Joanna Lumley as Felicity
- Philippa Dunne as Anne
- Samuel Anderson as Mal
- Jennifer Saunders as Joan
- Miley Locke as Georgie
- Alexander Shaw as Manus
For more information on the characters and where you've seen the actors who play them before, read on.
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Lucy Punch plays Amanda
Who is Amanda? Following the events of Motherland, which saw Amanda's marriage break down, she's since moved from Chiswick to a flat in South Harlesdon and is trying to rebuild her life.
"The kids are now in high school, and Amanda is starting over," said Punch.
"She's probably had a quiet breakdown or meltdown along the way. She's disintegrated somewhat but has galvanised herself, got a blowout, done her nails, bought a new outfit, and is bringing her full Amanda energy to South Harlesden to whip up a storm.
"She's trying to recreate what she had but realises it’s impossible without the house, clothes or husband. Despite this, she’s doing her best and doing a pretty good job."
What else has Lucy Punch been in? You might have watched her in Bloods, A Series of Unfortunate Events, Ben and Kate, Into the Woods, Bad Teacher and Ella Enchanted.
Joanna Lumley plays Felicity
Who is Felicity? Amanda's catty mother.
"I think it's slightly scratchy, but underneath, it’s very tender," said Lumley of the relationship between Felicity and her daughter.
"They do adore each other even though they exasperate one another."
What else has Joanna Lumley been in? She's best known for Absolutely Fabulous and The New Avengers. You might also have watched Lumley in Fool Me Once and Finding Alice.
Philippa Dunne plays Anne
Who is Anne? Amanda's long-suffering "friend" and biggest cheerleader.
"When we first see Anne, she's living her best life," said Dunne. "She's had a few years of freedom and things are going really well. She's gone back to work, her kids have grown up, and she’s had the chance to spread her wings, be her own woman, and do her own thing.
"She’s just in a really good place. Then Amanda comes back into the picture..."
What else has Philippa Dunne been in? You might have watched her in The Woman in the Wall, Derry Girls and This Is Going to Hurt.
Samuel Anderson plays Mal
Who is Mal? A landscaper who lives below Amanda, which is exactly how it should be (her words, not ours). He has a teenage son with his ex-wife, who is now in another relationship. Could there be romance brewing between Mal and Amanda?
What else has Samuel Anderson been in? His credits include Gavin & Stacey, Emmerdale, The History Boys, Another Life, Trollied, Witless and Doctor Who.
Jennifer Saunders plays Joan
Who is Joan? Amanda's aunt, who is seemingly despised by her sister Felicity. Joan is hosting Christmas this year at her Cotswolds manor, which promises to be a complete disaster.
What else has Jennifer Saunders been in? She’s best known for Absolutely Fabulous alongside Joanna Lumley, and for her comedy work with Dawn French.
Additional cast includes:
- Amanda's children Georgie and Manus are played by Miley Locke (There She Goes) and Alexander Shaw (Odd Squad).
Amandaland season 2 will arrive on BBC One and iPlayer in 2026.
Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Abby Robinson is the Drama Editor for Radio Times, covering TV drama and comedy titles. She previously worked at Digital Spy as a TV writer, and as a content writer at Mumsnet. She possesses a postgraduate diploma and a degree in English Studies.
