يحاول ذهب - حر
Christmas IS MY FAVOURITE TIME OF YEAR!
December 2025
|Woman & Home UK
Joanna Lumley reflects on festive love, treasured childhood memories, a whirlwind 2025 and why George Clooney is 'an utter sweetheart'

A snow-flocked tree shimmers with tinsel and lights, beautifully wrapped gifts are piled beneath, and the scent of freshly baked yule log wafts through the air as All I Want for Christmas Is You plays. And there, at the heart of woman&home's Christmas cover-shoot wonderland, is Joanna Lumley with a glass of perfectly chilled Bollinger champagne in hand.
'God bless Mariah Carey. My Christmas isn't Christmas without that girl,' says the actor, her velvety voice instantly recognisable after almost six decades in the biz.
Five years after being turned down by RADA at 16, Joanna became a single mother (her photographer son Jamie is now 58) and started a career in modelling, before landing roles in shows like Coronation Street, Steptoe & Son and ITV's The New Avengers. Then, in 1992, came the game changer - playing wild Patsy Stone alongside Jennifer Saunders' Edina Monsoon in the BBC's award-winning Absolutely Fabulous.

There were three Ab Fab specials in 2012, before a documentary last year. Is another reunion likely?
'The answer's no. Jennifer [Saunders] would say no, so I'm saying no for her. It's over,' replies Joanna, without hesitation. 'I never think about Absolutely Fabulous. Half of [the episodes] I never saw, so when people say Patsy lines to me, I don't know what they're talking about. I love old Pats. She lives alongside me, but she's not me.'
هذه القصة من طبعة December 2025 من Woman & Home UK.
اشترك في Magzter GOLD للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة، وأكثر من 9000 مجلة وصحيفة.
هل أنت مشترك بالفعل؟ تسجيل الدخول
المزيد من القصص من Woman & Home UK

Woman & Home UK
Anxiety UNWRAPPED
Does the thought of opening presents in front of others bring you out in a cold sweat? You're not alone
3 mins
December 2025

Woman & Home UK
Comfort & JOY
Whether you're heading out or staying in, make your festive style bold, fun and unforgettable
3 mins
December 2025
Woman & Home UK
Your STARS
Astrologer Wendy Bristow's predictions for the month of December
2 mins
December 2025

Woman & Home UK
ASK ANNA
How can I ensure my sister-in-law doesn't outstay her welcome?
3 mins
December 2025

Woman & Home UK
In conversation with CRESSIDA MCLAUGHLIN
The contemporary romance writer talks to Zoe West
3 mins
December 2025
Woman & Home UK
Winter WELLNESS
Nestled in snow-capped mountains, frosty forests or twinkling cities, these spa getaways come into their own when the mercury drops
5 mins
December 2025

Woman & Home UK
Treasured traditions
From blow-up snowmen to silly family games - these familiar faces have their rituals, just like the rest of us
5 mins
December 2025

Woman & Home UK
Sleighing it!
Think you have your work cut out hosting festivities? Meet the women who organise Christmas on a grand scale
5 mins
December 2025

Woman & Home UK
Treat YOURSELF!
BEAUTY BUYS
1 min
December 2025

Woman & Home UK
Celebrate with the STARS
Our favourite celebrities share their Christmas Day traditions
24 mins
December 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size