MOTHERLAND star Lucy Punch has dropped an exciting tease about a the spin-off drama centred on her character Amanda.
If Amanda from Motherland knew her character was chosen to be the star of this spin-off, her ego would need its own postcode.
Talking of which, Amanda has swapped London’s W4 for SoHa (South Harlesden) after her divorce and is navigating her new life while retaining her unique air of superiority in this six-part series.
“Amanda is living in an upper-level flat, with someone below her, which is a hard pill for her to swallow,” explains Lucy Punch, 47, who plays her.
“She’s starting over and has probably had a meltdown along the way. But she’s galvanised herself, got a blowout, done her nails, bought a new outfit and is bringing her full Amanda energy to South Harlesden, ready to whip up a storm.
"The writers have been very clever because while it still feels like the same world as Motherland, they’re totally different characters.
"I was incredibly excited, surprised and intrigued to be asked to do it.”
Returning alongside Lucy are Joanna Lumley as Amanda’s snobby mum Felicity and as her long-suffering friend Anne, who Amanda reconnects with unexpectedly in her new suburb.
“Even during Motherland, Philippa and I imagined extra scenes for Amanda and Anne – like Amanda giving Anne a makeover or needing her support during a breakdown,” says Lucy.
“While Amanda was awful to Anne at first, over time, their love and need for each other became clear.
"I always think the real love story is between Amanda and Anne.
"Amanda flourishes with Anne around because she can peacock, and now Anne is her lifeline, helping her navigate this new world.
“It’s the opposite with Felicity. Amanda is in Anne’s position when it comes to her relationship with her mother.
"She adores and admires her, but it’s a complicated, deeply-buried love. Amanda has been lonely her whole life – lonely as a child, lonely in her marriage, and now in this new world.
"Behind that perfect façade, she’s always been a rather damaged, vulnerable woman.”
The BBC sitcom Motherland ended in 2022 after three seasons with the final episode being the Christmas special.
A BBC boss called on the industry to "save our sitcoms", but the corporation has a history of fantastic shows.
We look back at some of the best to ever grace the screen.
Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) - Only two series were made of the beloved institution. However, the cultural impact of the series starring John Cleese and Connie Booth spans decades. It follows rude and intolerant Basil Fawlty (Cleese) as he attempts to improve the reputation of his hotel.
Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003) - The show was crowned by some as the best British sitcom of all time by a TV poll in 2004. Seven series were broadcast on BBC until 1991 with additional sporadic Christmas specials airing until 2003. Sir David Jason starred as ambitious market trader Derek "Del Boy" Trotter whilst Nicholas Lyndhurst played his younger half-brother Rodney. Set in working-class Peckham in south-east London, it follows the highs and lows of the lives of the Trotters', in particular their brazen attempts to get rich.
Blackadder (1983 - 1989) - Four series were made of the iconic show, created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson. Each series spans a different historical period as anti-hero Edmund Blackadder (Atkinson) tries to better himself in each society. Accompanied by his dogsbody Baldrick (Tony Robinson), trouble always ensues. A TV poll in 2004 found that Blackadder was voted the second-best British sitcom of all time
Absolutely Fabulous (1992 - 2012) - Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley star as failing PR guru Edina 'Eddie' Monsoon and alcoholic fashionista Patsy Stone. The pair embark on heavy-drinking sessions and abuse drugs in a desperate attempt to stay 'hip'. Eddie constantly chases bizarre fads and fails to lose weight whilst her disappointed and neglected daughter Saffy (Julia Sawalha) looks on.
Little Britain (2003 - 2006) - The premise is simple. A sketch show which features different British people from all walks of life that are engaged in all sorts of comical scenarios. Starring Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the pair created iconic pop culture characters. Viewers loved obnoxious council estate teenager Vicky Pollard, morbidly obese scrounger Bubbles Devere, slimming coach Marjorie Dawes, despondent office worker Carol Beer, disgraced politician Sir Norman Fry, of course the iconic Lou and Andy!
The Catherine Tate Show (2004-2015) - A sketch show starring the likes of Catherine Tate. She made iconic characters such as rowdy schoolgirl Lauren Cooper with her line 'Am I bovvered?'. Other characters featured Bernie the nurse, the aga saga woman, complaining couple Janice and Ray, and of course her infamous 'Nan', Joannie Taylor. The last character herself spawned multiple specials and even a movie.
Gavin and Stacey (2007 - Present) The series tells the story of Gavin (Matthew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page). The pair embarked on an online and telephone romance for six months. But when they finally decide to be together properly, their friends and family get in the way. Ruth Jones and James Corden created the beloved show, which has been going for over a decade. The 2019 Christmas special was the most-watched comedy in 17 years and the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade.
The Motherland cast included Anna Maxwell Martin, Diane Morgan, Paul Ready, Philippa Dunne, Tanya Moodie, Ellie Haddington, Oliver Chris, Jackie Clune and more.
Series regular Diane Morgan confirmed the sitcom had been quietly cancelled by the BBC in March last year.
But announced a spin-off about Lucy Punch’s character was in the works, delighting fans who are keen to see a deep dive into Amanda’s world.
Amandaland will premiere on February 5 on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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