Comedy channel Gold is set to take a reflective look at Absolutely Fabulous, one of Britain’s most-loved comic creations set in the world of fashion PR in the 90s, with a brand-new retrospective, Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out. It is produced by Expectation and will air at 9pm on 17th October.
The star-studded retrospective will see Jennifer Saunders (Edina “Eddie” Monsoon), Dame Joanna Lumley (Patsy Stone), Julia Sawalha (Saffron “Saffy” Monsoon) and Jane Horrocks (Bubble) reunite for the first time since 2016. Viewers will be taken on an exclusive rampage down memory lane to reveal how the show was made, pay tribute to much-missed castmember Dame June Whitfield (Mother) and celebrate its ground-breaking influence on female comedy.
Jennifer opens up her Ab Fab archives to share her original handwritten notes and faxes that formed the basis for so many of the show’s most famous scenes. And she reveals the real people who inspired the timeless comic creations of Patsy and Eddie.
The Abolutely Fabulous cast and crew will be joined by a sparkling roster of celebrity guest stars and famous fans, including Ruby Wax, Tom Hollander, Emma Bunton, Meera Syal, Emerald Fennell, and Richard Curtis, to share their personal reflections on the show, alongside a host of unheard anecdotes and backstage secrets.
An array of archive’s best bits will be shared with viewers: from original scripts, to high-fashion outfits, made by costume designer Rebecca Hale - as well as the various glam looks created and captured by the series hair and make-up artist, Jan Sewell, in an abundance of original polaroids - to never-before-seen pictures from the rehearsal room that will show fans how the magic of Ab Fabwas made. The new retrospective is narrated by Kirsty Young.
Jennifer Saunders, creator and writer, who played Edina said, “I loved making Ab Fab but I can’t remember a great deal, so much of this retrospective is a revelation to me. Thank you Gold for this kind and helpful programme."
Dame Joanna Lumley, who played Patsy, added, “"It was a fabulous wander down memory lane by actresses who only have the faintest grip on reality. Really thrilling, and I hope vastly entertaining. I loved every second."
Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out will air on Gold at 9pm on 17th October. The original AbFab episodes will air exclusively every night on Gold at 9pm om weeknights in October.
Picture © Adam Lawrence
