Movies

Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders talk all things Absolutely Fabulous

Everyone’s favourite comedy duo are back and better than ever in the highly-anticipated Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie.
Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders

Woman’s Day caught up with Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders at the Sydney premiere of their movie to talk about the star-studded flick.

It’s the film on everyone’s lips but it might not have ever happened if it wasn’t for Dawn French, who bet her longtime pal and comedy accomplice, Jennifer, £100, 000 she’d never write the movie script.

As it turns out, Jennifer works well under pressure.

“I did write the film and I never had to pay her! I need a threat,” Jennifer, 58, tells us.

“This is how tragic [Jennifer] is. She has to bet large sums of money in order for her to get her act together. The thought of her becoming 100,000 pounds poorer doesn’t sit well with Jennifer,” adds Joanna Lumley, 70, with a chuckle.

The pair dazzled at the Sydney premiere of the film on Sunday night.

And now with a slew of A-list pals, Jennifer and Joanna have made their fashionable return as Eddy and Patsy in the Ab Fab feature film.

So who was their favourite celebrity to work with?

“Emma Bunton isn’t actually an actress as such but she is brilliant! She is always really serious on set. And of course she is my favourite Spice Girl how could I say otherwise,” Jennifer shares of Baby Spice, who had a reoccurring role on the TV show from 2003 to 2012.

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“Dame Edna was the biggest diva. She only agreed to the film to upstage Joan Collins, I know it! She wanted to be in the film the moment she knew Joan was going to be in the film,” Joanna reveals.

“On the other hand, Barry Humphries who plays a boyfriend of mine.. was pretty damn attractive,” Jennifer adds.

With names like Kate Moss, Suki Waterhouse and Alexa Chung starring in the film Jennifer says that “Edina’s girl gang is better than Swifties!”

As for whether we can expect a sequel, Joanna hints: “Never say never!”

So what is there secret to looking so damn good? “Very heavy makeup and great lighting! Having a laugh, that’s the main thing,” Jennifer says.

From Emma Bunton, Lily Cole and Stella McCartney – the film is overflowing with A-list cameos!

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