Amandaland 2026 Christmas special announced as BBC hit comedy returns with Lucy Punch

Amandaland 2026 Christmas special announced as BBC hit comedy returns with Lucy Punch

The BBC has announced the return of Amandaland for a 2026 Christmas special.

A spin-off from Motherland, the comedy stars Lucy Punch as Amanda, a previously wealthy mother who moves to South Harlesden and downsizes following her divorce.

Two series have been broadcast since the show debuted in 2025, with a third series commissioned earlier this year.

Following its initial festive outing last year, the show is returning to screens with another holiday episode in December.

Teasing details of the upcoming episode, the BBC said: “Lucy Punch returns as Amanda, the self-appointed queen of So-Ha, and after a chance encounter with an old school friend, Amanda ditches her quiet family Christmas Eve plans and instead decides to throw a massive last-minute party to impress her.

“This could be Amanda’s way back into the high-flying circle of her ex-classmates so it has to be perfect – but she soon realises that it’s not easy organising a high-end party in 24 hours; no-one impressive is available at such short notice, so she has to cast her invitation net wider and wider as the hours tick down.”

Lucy Punch in Amandaland
Lucy Punch in Amandaland (BBC/Merman)

Daisy Haggard, star of the comedy drama Breeders, will join the broadcast as Amanda’s old friend Millie.

Also returning for the festive edition are Samuel Anderson as Mal, Rochenda Samuel as Fi, Ekow Quartey as JJ, Harriet Webb as Abs, Cavan Clerkin as Daniel, Rosie Cavaliero as Claire, Alexander Shaw as Manus, Miley Locke as Georgie, Anya McKenna-Bruce as Morten and Archie Smith as Ned.

Punch said: “There’s mistletoe, cheese straws and a middle-aged, wannabe sexy Santa. We are all delighted to be back again for an Amandaland Xmas spesh.”

Writer and director Holly Walsh, alongside writer Laurence Rickard, commented: “We are utterly thrilled that the BBC have given us the ultimate Christmas present of another special – and an hour long one at that. Cameras are now rolling and we are so sure that you’ll love this gift we’ve got for you, we’re not even enclosing the receipt.”

BBC commissioning editor Seb Barwell stated that the 2025 festive special “proved to be the Christmas tradition we didn’t know we needed, so we’re delighted to have Amanda and friends back for another one”.

He added: “This brilliant team have gifted us a bumper hour-long episode, stuffed with all the humour and heart you could wish for.”

Jennifer Saunders made a special cameo in the 2025 Christmas special
Jennifer Saunders made a special cameo in the 2025 Christmas special (BBC/Merman)

The 2025 Christmas episode of Amandaland was the UK’s most-watched comedy episode of the year, drawing 7.4 million viewers across a 28-day period, according to the BBC.

Its debut series won best scripted comedy at the 2026 Bafta TV Awards, with Punch and co-star Philippa Dunne earning nominations in the female performance in a comedy category for the 2025 Christmas special alongside Jennifer Saunders.

The third series order was originally announced at the BBC Comedy Festival in Liverpool in May.

At the time, Barwell said: “Amanda and friends continue to capture the hearts of the nation, so we’re delighted to announce a third series and to keep up our co-lab with this amazing team.”

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