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Absolutely Fabulous News: Two New Series with Jennifer Saunders Announced

Crack open the Bollie, sweetie darlings!

Cabler BBC America has ordered two new comedy series from Absolutely Fabulous creator Jennifer Saunders, who will write, star, and exec produce these series (with The Office's Jon Plowman), both co-productions between Auntie Beeb and its Stateside offshoot.

First up, is the seven-episode black comedy Clatterford, which sees Saunders reunited with Ab Fab partner in crime Joanna Lumley. For the ladies of Clatterford, a small English country town, life in their book club is peaceful and orderly... until the arrival of a new member (Waking the Dead's Sue Johnston), freshly widowed, casts their tranquil little coterie into gossip. Saunders will play Caroline, a notorious busy-body, while Lumley will play a mischief-making eccentric named Delilah Stagg. (Also look for Peep Show's David Mitchell to turn up as a rather sensible doctor.)

The casting marks the first time that the twosome, who played Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone on Ab Fab for five seasons together, have reunited since that series ended in 2003. Clatterford is expected to premiere on BBC America in the first quarter of 2007.

Next up is a seven episode order for The Life and Times of Vivienne Vyle, starring Jennifer Saunders and Miranda Richardson in a more, er, estrogen-rich version of The Larry Sanders Show. Saunders is Vivienne Vyle, a much beloved host of a live television therapy show, while Richardson plays her ambitious producer Helena. Vivienne Vyle is written by Jennifer Saunders and Tanya Byron.

I don't know about you, but this is the best news I've heard since Lacroix left Patou to start his own couture house. Or something like that, anyway.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Clatterford is called Jam and Jerusalem in the UK and has already aired a few episodes.

Offical website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/jamandjerusalem/
Anonymous said…
Both of these shows sound fantastic. Jennifer Saunders and Miranda Richardson starring together? Now that is absolutely fabulous!
Anonymous said…
Jace! I love your blog (and just linked to it again) but for some reason my newsreader started asking me for a password for your feed this week. Any idea why?
Jace Lacob said…
Hey Shana,

I had some, er, problems with people using the feed so have now password protected the actual feed (for now). I have added various subscription options on the blog, however. Let me know if your newsreader isn't on there.
Anonymous said…
Perfect sweety darlings, pop the champagne darlings.

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