Adventures in AMANDALAND

PHILIPPA DUNNE CHATS TO LYNN RUSK ABOUT PLAYING AMANDA'S SIDEKICK, ANNE, AND WORKING WITH JENNIFER SAUNDERS IN THE SHOW'S CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

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COMEDY ROYALTY: Jennifer Saunders and Dame Joanna Lumley as Aunt Joan and Felicity

WHEN Philippa Dunne was first cast as the timid, socially anxious Anne in the British sitcom Motherland, she could never have imagined the character would become such a hit with viewers.

The Irish actress, who has played the tightly wound suburban mother for almost a decade, says the role has been an extraordinary gift.

A pilot episode of Motherland, which explores the trials of middle-class motherhood in West London, first aired on BBC2 in 2016 as part of its Sitcom Season, followed by three full series in 2017, 2019 and 2021.

This was followed by Amandaland in 2024, a spin-off series centred on alpha mother Amanda, played by Lucy Punch, and her subordinate sidekick Anne.

With a second series set to air in 2026 and a Christmas special gueststarring Jennifer Saunders, Philippa says she is relishing every minute of playing the character.

"I get a lot of lovely compliments from people," says the 44-year-old actress.

"People really, really like her. I just never thought she would have such appeal.

"I have so much fun playing her. It’s a gift to me, really, because it’s just so enjoyable working on Motherland and Amandaland, and playing a lovely character with such great scripts.”

She adds: "For such a quiet little character, I didn’t think it would open so many doors. Anne is very, very close to my heart.”

Amandaland, co-written by Motherland writers Holly Walsh and Helen Serafinowicz and produced by Sharon Horgan, follows Amanda as she moves with her children to “So-ha” (South Harlesden) in London following a divorce.