'Middle-aged sexy Santa': Lucy Punch returns as Amandaland comes back for a second BBC Christmas special

From the Newshound archive · first published 30 September 2026 · last updated 1 October 2026.

The BBC has confirmed an hour-long Amandaland Christmas special will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in December, with filming already under way. Lucy Punch returns as Amanda, the self-appointed queen of So-Ha, alongside Joanna Lumley and Philippa Dunne, joined by Breeders star Daisy Haggard as Amanda's old school friend Millie. Last year's festive episode drew 7.4 million viewers over 28 days, making it the UK's most-watched comedy episode of 2025.

Amanda ditches a quiet family Christmas Eve to throw a last-minute party in 24 hours, with no impressive guests available at short notice.

The show's first series won Best Scripted Comedy at the BAFTA Television Awards 2026, with Punch and Dunne both nominated for their performances.

A third series of Amandaland is already commissioned and is due on screens in 2027 after this Christmas special airs.