Motherland spin-off Amandaland will return for a second series on BBC1 after becoming the second biggest comedy launch for the BBC in recent years – behind Ludwig.
The series, starring Lucy Punch as posh single mother Amanda, has pulled in 6.4million viewers across its first run. In the show, following her divorce, Amanda had to downsize and up sticks from leafy Chiswick to South Harlesden, or as likes to call it “SoHa”. Once there she set about using information from her old friend Anne (Philippa Dunne) to try and elevate her standing in the area – with mixed results. She also had to deal with two teens, eco anxiety and a mother, played by Joanna Lumley, who is bored and lonely but won’t admit it.
The series, made by production company Merman, also introduced a host of new characters, including Amanda’s long-suffering downstairs neighbour Mal (Samuel Anderson) and his ex-wife’s new partner JJ (Ekow Quartey), now stepfather to Mal’s son Ned. Also in SoHa are power couple Della and Fi (Siobhán McSweeney and Rochenda Sandall) plus South African property developer Johannes (Peter Serafinowicz).
Fans have already spotted that their is chemistry between Amanda and Mal, her long-suffering neighbour (
BBC/Merman/Natalie Seery)
Co-writer and creator Holly Walsh said: “We’ve been bowled over by the response to Amandaland and can’t wait to get co-labbing on the next series.”
Merman co-founder Sharon Horgan, added: “With any new show you put out there, your main hope is to make something you love and are proud of. The extra bonus is that it’s a critical hit. But to have a loyal audience of this size is just beyond your hopes and expectations. ‘Special thanks to Lucy for being the most extraordinary front woman and to the BBC for having such faith in the idea of Amandaland from the off.'”
Derry Girls star Siobhan McSweeney is hilarious as hard-working chef Fi, whose dippy wife Della is played by Line of Duty’s Rochenda Sandall
The series proved a huge hit with critics, with one declaring: “Amandaland will make you howl with laughter – Lucy Punch has never been better”. Another agreed: “Punch makes the turn from enjoyable side character to magnetic main character with unexpected, brilliant ease.”
Lumley said she loved her role as the posh old battleaxe first seen in Motherland. “There are a few different notes this series, but I wouldn’t say she’s wildly varied.,” the actress said ahead of the series launching on screen. “Like a lot of those people, they’re quite fixed in their ways – you’re not going to suddenly get her shopping at Poundland.”
“Felicity’s just kind of a bitch, really,” she added, saying the root of her meanness towards her daughter was envy. “Quite a lot of women who were once pretty, when they’ve got a very pretty daughter, are jealous.”
The series has already been ordered for a Christmas special with a source hinting it had already been filmed. “Amandaland is so funny, this could be the new jewel in the crown of the Christmas schedule,” they said..” Everyone is thrilled. But it’s top secret.”
