Cast of Amandaland on the sitcom's return

Amandaland returns for its second series next Wednesday – May 6 – on BBC One. Here cast members tell us what to expect...

Lucy Punch (Amanda)

Where do we find Amanda in Series 2? 

Amanda is still in SoHa [South Harlesden] she’s more settled now but still doing everything she can elevate to her social standing and circumstances. She’s just as delusional about herself as ever.

Has Amanda evolved since the beginning of Motherland? 

Her change in circumstances has made her realise, finally, that she’s no better than anyone else. In Motherland, her superiority was her ugliest trait. Nevertheless, her giant ego and status anxiety remains, so she still wants everyone to think she’s the best.

How do you get into character as Amanda? 

The hair, the heels, the gels and all the primping that’s involved to look like Amanda helps hugely. I know her so well after ten years that it’s alarmingly easy to get into this character.

What was your favourite moment from this series to film? 

I got to work with so many incredibly funny actors, I loved my scenes with Pam Ferris [who plays Amanda’s neighbour Elspeth in Ep4]. She’s brilliant. I love playing Amanda being devious, when she thinks she’s being charming and getting away with it.

The series concludes with the teens getting ready for their high school prom, what do you remember from your high school prom? 

Very little, apart from the dress I’d had taken in too much. I couldn’t dance and I couldn’t sit down. I looked like a black tapeworm with big shoulders. 

Where do we find Amanda and Mal’s relationship at the start of series 2, is there still a glimpse of romance? 

There is, but it’s buried very deep! They get on better in this series, which is nice, there’s more teasing friendly banter between them.

What parenting advice would Amanda live by? 

Amanda’s values may be incredibly skewed, but she is actually a good parent. She loves her kids and puts them first. 

What can viewers expect to see from this series? 

There are some fantastically funny new characters, and more hilarious storylines with the ones we already know and love. 

Philippa Dunne (Anne)

Where do we find Anne in Series 2? 

Anne is of course still in SoHa juggling her high-powered job while raising her kids, attending all of Darius's soccer matches with the other parents, volunteering for activities in Darius's school while also being at the constant beck and call of her best pal Amanda.

How has Anne evolved since the beginning of Motherland? 

She's definitely more self-assured and settled into her life now, it's like she's hit her groove since going back to work and she's really enjoying having Amanda back in her life too. 

What do you do to get into character as Anne?

The costume helps! I dress quite differently to Anne in real life, so the clothes do definitely come in handy when it comes to getting into character. Then add on top of that an excellent and very characterful script and performing alongside Lucy and it's enjoyably effortless.

If you could give your character one piece of life advice, what would it be?

I don't think I have any advice for Anne - she does far more with her life than I do! She's spinning so many plates successfully that I have a lot of admiration for her. I would encourage her to always stand up for herself when she needs to, but she's already shown us before that she can do that.

What’s been the most challenging scene to shoot? 

Last series I had to deliver a line about the rapids at a holiday park, and I just couldn't keep it together. It would crack me up every time. I annoyed myself most of all!

What’s something you’ve learned from one of your co-stars? 

Bring chocolate to work, it always goes down well.

What parenting advice would Anne live by? 

Unconditional love and support for your children. And mandatory tooth brushing before bed, no excuses.

The series concludes with the teens getting ready for their high school prom, what do you remember from your high school prom? 

I kind of didn't know it was happening, I don't know why I was so oblivious to it, so when I decided I was going it was all a bit last minute, I went on a scramble borrowing various bits from friends and family. The 90's were way more relaxed but I managed to pull off a look all the same.

Joanna Lumley (Felicity)

How do you get into character as Felicity?

Honestly, it’s all in the script and her selfish, snide character is tempered by being rather ridiculous and strangely spot-on in some of her observations.

What was your favourite moment from this series to film?

It was lovely being on the touchlines of the football pitch; I think we all loved those open-air scenes.

If you could give your character one piece of life advice, what would it be?

Stop being so selfish.

What’s something you’ve learned from one of your co-stars?

From Lucy, love every scene with all your heart

Felicity has a love interest this series, how was that to play?

It was a charming brief encounter.

Anne becomes an influencer this series, if Felicity became an influencer, what would she go viral for?

Mixing cocktails.

Published: 27 Apr 2026