Amandaland: Release date and latest news

It's safe to say, then, that reunited co-creators Sharon Horgan (who didn't write the scripts on this occasion, but was on board as an exec producer), Holly Walsh and Helen Serafinowicz have their work cut out if they want to top their past success, but Amandaland is shaping up very promisingly indeed.

"There was always something unresolved about Amanda's story in Motherland – she was probably the character that evolved the most over the three series and we felt there was more we could explore," said Walsh.

"The fall out of her divorce, her tricky relationship with her mother, her desperate attempts to find her calling in life – they were all rich seams for stories. Plus this is a great time for middle class women of a certain age."

Speaking about her initial thoughts on the spinoff, Punch said: "I was incredibly excited, surprised, and intrigued.

"Intrigued about where the writers thought the show and Amanda's character could go, how it would look, and how it could maintain the tone and style of Motherland while doing something new."

Punch is joined by returning Motherland co-stars Philippa Dunne and Joanna Lumley, playing Amanda's best friend Anne and mother Felicity respectively, while a slew of familiar comedy faces are also on board for this follow-up.

If you're excited to tune into Amandaland on BBC One and iPlayer, read on for everything you need to know about the sitcom so far.

Amandaland release date: When can I watch it?

It's official: Amandaland will premiere at 9pm on Wednesday 5th February on BBC One and iPlayer.

Motherland fans have waited more than two years to be reacquainted with the hysterical world of the sitcom, which bowed out with its 2022 festive special Last Christmas.

Amandaland cast: New and returning for Motherland spin-off

Lucy Punch leads the cast of Amandaland, reprising the title role that she originated in hit BBC sitcom Motherland.

Also returning is Motherland regular Philippa Dunne as long-suffering best friend Anne, while comedy legend Joanna Lumley is back as Amanda's mother, Felicity, who made two memorable guest appearances in the original series.

Far from resting on what came before, Amandaland will also be introducing a number of new characters, which should help ensure this spin-off has a distinct identity of its very own.

You can expect to see Samuel Anderson (Gavin & Stacey) as Mal, Siobhan McSweeney (Derry Girls) as Della, Rochenda Sandall (Line of Duty) as Fi, Ekow Quartey (Trying) as JJ and Peter Serafinowicz (The Gentlemen) as Johannes.

"What excited me most was the new characters," said Punch. "Their voices are distinct, specific, and funny, just like in Motherland.

"Even though the show is called Amandaland, it’s very much an ensemble piece, and it needs to be for it to good and watchable."

In summary, here's the full confirmed Amandaland cast (so far):

• Lucy Punch as Amanda
• Philippa Dunne as Anne
• Joanna Lumley as Felicity
• Samuel Anderson as Mal
• Siobhan McSweeney as Della
• Rochenda Sandall as Fi
• Ekow Quartey as JJ
• Peter Serafinowicz as Johannes

Motherland co-creators Sharon Horgan, Holly Walsh and Helen Serafinowicz are also working behind-the-scenes on this follow-up, which was crafted in collaboration with original series writer Barunka O'Shaughnessy.

Meanwhile, Ghosts co-creator Laurence Rickard (also known as caveman Robin or headless Sir Humphrey Bone) also helped out with the scripts for Amandaland.

Horgan said of the spin-off: "I was genuinely sad having to say goodbye to Motherland. There's such a fondness for that show and those characters. So it was a real thrill to get to pick up the further adventures of Amanda and Anne, not to mention Felicity.

"Lucy, Phillipa and Joanna are top of their game in these roles and are joined by an incredibly funny and talented new cast.

"Can't wait to showcase the next challenges of parenthood and the very particular kind of friendship the school gates bring."

Amandaland plot: What is it about?

The official synopsis for Amandaland, courtesy of the BBC, reads: "Post her divorce, Amanda has had to downsize and up sticks to South Harlesden, or as the Estate Agent calls it SoHa (definitely not the area around Wormwood Scrubs prison).

"With both Manus and Georgie now at secondary school, Amanda has to try and get her head around raising teenagers, dealing with modern motherhood horrors like teenage drinking, fake Instagram accounts and eco anxiety. Not even a woman as certain of her parenting as Amanda can deal with these nightmares alone.

"Amanda’s mother, Felicity (Lumley), is constantly around, and completely in denial that she is, in fact, lonely. Theirs is a slightly unhealthy co-dependent relationship based on backhanded compliments and veiled snipes about her new home.

"After a brief spell of freedom, Anne (Dunne) is sucked back into being Amanda's minion to help her navigate the social scene with the other parents at the children's new school. Thank God for Anne."

Asked if we'll see a softer side to Amanda in this series, Punch said: "Absolutely. Even as Motherland progressed, while she was a difficult character, we saw that behind the perfect façade was a rather damaged, vulnerable woman.

"Now, we see her scrambling – not just because she’s used to a different life, but because it’s genuinely hard to raise two teenagers alone, work, and navigate a new place while making new friends.

"That would challenge anyone... but she’s determined and hopeful."

Amandaland trailer: When can I watch it?

You can watch the trailer right now.

Enjoy it below.

Amandaland is coming soon. Motherland is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.

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