Amandaland confirmed to return in 2026 with Christmas special as first look behind the scenes revealed

A brand new Amandaland Christmas special is coming this year, with cameras already rolling and Breeders star Daisy Haggard joining the cast.

The special will bring Lucy Punch, Dame Joanna Lumley and Philippa Dunne back to BBC iPlayer and BBC One for another dose of So-Ha chaos, following two seasons and last year's festive outing.

Haggard joins the ensemble as Millie, an estranged school friend of Amanda's, whose sudden reappearance inspires her to throw a last-minute party on Christmas Eve – discarding low-key family plans in the process.

The synopsis, courtesy of the BBC, teases: "This could be Amanda's way back into the high-flying circle of her ex-classmates so it has to be perfect – but she soon realises that it's not easy organising a high-end party in 24 hours.

"No one impressive is available at such short notice, so she has to cast her invitation net wider and wider as the hours tick down."

Amandaland cast regulars Samuel Anderson (Mal), Rochenda Sandall (Fi), Ekow Quartey (JJ), Harriet Webb (Abs) and Cavan Clerkin (Daniel) return, alongside SoHa kids Alexander Shaw (Manus), Miley Locke (Georgie), Anya McKenna-Bruce (Morten) and Archie Smith (Ned).

Rosie Cavaliero also reprises the role of Claire, who debuted in the season 2 finale.

Punch teased the tone of the new episode, saying: "There's mistletoe, cheese straws and a middle-aged wannabe sexy Santa. We are all delighted to be back again for an Amandaland Xmas Spesh!"

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Writer/director Holly Walsh and co-writer Laurence Rickard commented: "We are utterly thrilled that the BBC have given us the ultimate Christmas present of another special, and an hour long one at that.

"Cameras are now rolling and we are so sure that you'll love this gift we've got for you, we're not even enclosing the receipt."

Amandaland's 2025 Christmas special became the UK's most-watched comedy episode of the year, drawing 7.4 million viewers over 28 days, so hopes are high for the follow-up.

Amandaland is coming soon to BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

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Authors

David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.