Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley's awkward first meeting - The Graham Norton Show - BBC One

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Watch the BBC first on iPlayer 👉 bbc.in/iPlayer... Programme website: bbc.in/28UbLXr Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley talk about the origins of Ab Fab and their awkward first meeting.
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[@debroahyoung4193]

Joanna voice is like velvet I could listen to it all day

[@joeycremona8746]

Absolutely.

[@jelt110]

She does travel documentaries too.... they fantastic, and her personality shines!

[@stefaniekuzminski9575]

❤

[@paulvoorhies8821]

Amazing

[@dreamchampagne]

Yes I need her on my calm app

[@dumplingsprawns9716]

I love how they include Rebel into their conversation, makes it feel so much warmer and laid back

[@michaelcareymph]

I completely agree! I think it’s a true mark of class in an age where the art of conversation has been lost.

[@UrbanBratz]

She was in the movie after all…

[@lizpadilla3292]

graham norton is brilliant this would not happen anywhere else

[@HOLLYHOUSE11]

these two have gotten me thru two decades of horrific times with laughter. I am forever grateful.

[@rick_terscale1111]

And COVID...

[@claire_eve8531]

Bless you, sending hugs 🙏🏻

[@chi5860]

Couldn't agree more.

[@lesliethompson4588]

They’re hilarious! Love you both ❤️

[@rocker76m88]

I watched them in the 90s while I was married to an abusive piece of crap. They made me laugh so much, and I loved them ❤️

[@rustybearden1800]

Patsy's entrances and one liners are some of the funniest comedy ever created

[@EthanLomas]

Indeed! One of my absolute favourites is when Patsy had a flashback to her mom in the pram and her mom told her that her body had aborted her after nine months so she better get used to being alone. I have never laughed so hard as I can imagine my mom saying the same lol

[@DSRQ1]

Two of the funniest performers I've ever seen. We know AbFab was great because of how well the comedy holds up after 30 years.

[@darrensmith4932]

Jennifer’s reaction to the lady band comment is priceless

[@matttrafton2725]

One of the best all time comedies that will endure throughout the 21st century.

[@SeleneMoonBird]

“Have you got your lady bands in? Because I’m wearing mine tonight.” 😂😂😂

[@dawnkindnesscountsmost5991]

Ms. Saunders made "lady band" sound like a product to prevent "sneeze pees!" "Strengthen your kegels with the new Always(TM) Lady Bands, and soon you won't be worrying about sneeze pees, either! Sold in the feminine hygiene aisle. Get yours today!" 😂

[@lonewave1]

A business friend once couldn't believe me when I said "you need to watch this show called Absolutely Fabulous." Her eyes widened and couldn't believe a guy liked the show and especially one from the Brits. I told her it's one of the best shows that the Brits ever produced and these two women make me laugh over and over again. Wish they would do maybe 5 or 6 more shows when they're at the senior age and get them out there. We need so much better entertainment than what's out there today. My friend passed away and every time I watch the show I think of her. Here's to you Nance!

[@ts-eu6mp]

Here's to you and your great friend, Nance, who left the Earth. Thank you for that. SO sorry for your loss-aren't we fortunate to have shared these ladies and the other great characters on the AB FAB Show, with our wonderful friends! Here's to you, Airily, with all my love, from Terri-after all these years... xo

[@lonewave1]

@@ts-eu6mp Thanks for your thoughts on my comment and my friend Nance. I like smart women who these 3 are and got one heck of a sense of humor, great combination that can't be beaten! Thank you!

[@spacemissing]

AbFab is one of the most powerful laugh-inducers I've ever found.

[@discopuma]

This is the most British interview ever in every single way

[@bernlin2000]

Even from a distance, as an American, I can see old clips and be stunned at what a well-constructed show it is. It's no wonder it's such a phenomenon in the UK, the chemistry is amazing!

[@DJL78]

It was massive in America as well. If you knew…you knew. And when you knew so did everyone you know.

[@elysehfm8797]

Are you saying you haven't seen whole shows? They're so amazing.

[@FemFantastic2.0]

This show was my guide in the 90s. The influence it had in me was hysterical!

[@blonde761]

Oh how we treasure these two in America! Seriously one of funniest shows of all time, and we really have nothing to compare it to from American TV. Re-watching the series the past week has seen me through a nasty case of covid. 25+ years later still laughing till I cry.

[@evo5349]

These two just play off each other with great timing. There out takes are great.

[@timmy13duffy]

They can't even help themselves they are so funny together - it just happens!!!

[@ShreyaChoudhuryMusic]

I remember when she was featured in the “Falling for Figaro,” movie. Her character really scared the living daylights out of me. Joanna, that in itself is a compliment which shows what an amazing actress you are and you were born for it. 🙏🏽 what a lovely and humble woman she is!

[@openyourpassport8673]

Joanna Lumley is such an interesting woman! She can talk about anything but is also a wonderful listener, she's intrigued by people and their stories. I'm going to See her in Dublin tomorrow and I can't wait. I hope I meet her 😊 I only wish Jennifer Saunders was with her! 😍

[@PooP-ge2fk]

I think they hate eachother xD

[@bratchny82]

Jennifer and Joanna - absolutely best ever darlings! Can't wait for the movie!

[@curliefro]

Yasss! Love them!

[@tomitstube]

jennifer saunders notorious with bare bones scripts, she would have an idea and let everyone do their own thing. and then got ideas off other peoples interpretations. it always worked out brilliantly, of course she was always surrounded by great talent.

[@og6920]

I like Rebel. I LOVE Jennifer and Joanna and I love how Joanna spoke to Rebel...Joanna is such a cool lady!

[@simonbridges3835]

That was a perfectly executed double take with feigned affront follow through, Miss Lumley 🤣

[@danishhald]

Such beautiful women. Joanna is a gem.

[@lechatnoir1923]

She's a national treasure.

[@beccastyver]

Absolutely Fabulous and the Golden Girls, 2 shows I can watch on repeat daily and not get tired of

[@KatGlo]

Facts

[@hoobananaz]

Me too!!!

[@handlesarefeckinstupid]

You know it's good when you can rewatch it and it still stands up.

[@patricianel6180]

Still love watching their shows over and over.

[@LibrariansWife]

They look like 3 Golden Retrieveres 😁 - A huge fan of Absolutely Fabelous

[@santafejack]

I just love Jennifer Saunders. What a fabulous sense of humor and beautiful, too. I hope she has a partner that treats her really well.

[@3keell27]

Her husband is Ade Edmondson! Another British comedy legend. Look up "Bottom"...

[@putrijoyceirawati2638]

Joanna Lumley to me will always be Aunt Spiker from James and the Giant Peach. She terrified me as a kid 🤣

[@jake6112]

Well I'll be blowed.

[@mabo4165]

To me she's Purdey from The New Avengers! 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@putrijoyceirawati2638]

@@mabo4165 yeah well I wasn't born then soooooo.... 🤷

[@marylhere]

That would have been excellent casting…my fifth grade teacher Mrs. Stauffer was the most excellent Auntie Sponge. The original illustrations.

[@-HatsuneMiku]

"Have you got your ladybands in? I'm wearing mine." Hahahahha

[@lindadejonge]

I'm so glad Jennifer and Joanna met each other... together they are comedy gold! The Made me laugh so much....my ribs still hurt, Love them both!!! X

[@jeanhansen1333]

BBC comedy is a force in and of itself! I snuck in to the living room late at night to view Benny Hill, adored Are You Being Served and when I found Absolutely Fabulous, I was in love forever! (South of Boston, MA-USA)

[@msmltvcktl]

Shame you never found "The Young Ones" w/ Rik Mayall and I believe Adrian Edmondson..?

[@marymagdalene3004]

Two brilliant performers and Saunders also wrote the stuff!! Just the best - who can compete with those Absolutely Fab episodes? Hard to beat the brilliance of those shows!!!

[@crystalrusmisel1832]

These ladies and Betty white are the 3 people I wanna meet one day before I die. Absolutely the funniest people on this planet in my eyes!!!

[@caraspencer3058]

Sadly, Betty White (from Golden Girls) died last year.

[@Dior3llaxoxo]

I’m just sad that I didn’t discover this show sooner 😭 it’s 2022 and I just got through all the seasons. Never knew this show existed until a couple months ago. Now added to the list of my top favorites

[@kengoodman9381]

I love these two women! They've gotten me through some horrific times in my life with laughter and the comedy.

[@bookkeeperbookkeeper2827]

Never forget the first time I saw this show in the mid 90s....was on comedy central...never laughed so loud...made sure was home on thurs 7:30pm ....no DVR at that time...lol

[@askhowiknow5527]

Jennifer still makes the cutest faces

[@iiz6966]

I cant not say it enough...I LOVE THESE LADIES!!!

[@Bustygirl-dz1wi]

She still looks amazing at 74 she must have looked after herself

[@anthonybradley1555]

these two legends are amongst the best in comedy along with the late victoria wood, totally high caliber talent , very enjoyable story!

[@wralford]

Those of you who watched AbFab already know this, but what Jennifer Saunders left out was how her character fell out ass-first from a cab in the present, then it went to a flashback in which she as a young woman doing the same thing. It was hilarious! Didn't know that was based upon what she saw Bananarama doing in the '80s.

[@WhoFlungPoo2024]

From a "Yank" on the other side of the pond: these two immensely talented women are the Laurel & Hardy's of British comedy. Brilliant writing. Genius comedic timing. Superb BBC production quality. They have made me laugh harder than even Del Boy in OFAH and are the best of Great Britain. Thank you for so damn many belly laughs.

[@CourtneyPielok]

Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are 2 ICONS 👑

[@garycunningham939]

Two of the funniest ladies ever!!!!!

[@alanwisdom7777]

I did not know anything about drinking, Jennifer began to laugh 😂😂

[@zeldafan1942]

I'm from Arkansas, and I'm a huge fan of these actresses!

[@carlozabbia1157]

Joanna Lumley was in two episodes of AYBS and was excellent in both of them.

[@dawnkindnesscountsmost5991]

I remember those episodes. Ms. Lumley was married to one of the show's creators, wasn't she?

[@mandy8275]

Love these ladies !! The good old days

[@maysaniyazova]

They will ALWAYS be Absolutely Fabulous!!!

[@MooMooFutch]

Absolutely Fabulous is my life. I’ve spent time around people just like Patsy and Eddie. I think it’s the one series I can quote word for word. Every single part. Every character. I love it so much. It’s Absolutely Fabulously Iconic. One of the funniest scenes that always has me laughing is when Patsy is sat next to Eddie who is giving birth and she’s dressed as Purdy. It was full circle.

[@fintan3563]

“I didn’t know anything about drinking”. Yeah and I didn’t know anything about breathing! 😝😝😝

[@brigittecarcagno4338]

Absolutely Fabulous continues to be one of my favorite show!

[@eolsunder]

and i love the bloopers even more

[@muhltrayneify]

When Graham said 'former lady band' the first thing I thought was 'oh they're not ladies anymore?'

[@norwegian68]

I first learned about Stoli from AbFab. It's been a wonderful love affair since.

[@catman2130093]

i ADORE these ladies!!! Rebel too!

[@starriderkittykat9064]

I loved that show,it's one of the all time greats!

[@jessicabamber6088]

Three of the funniest women in the world on one couch!

[@logiclanguagelearningFrench]

Jennifer and Joanna? Who is the third ?

[@eternalgemini]

​@@logiclanguagelearningFrench Rebel Wilson

[@Light-jc3fj]

Favourite comedy of all time...how I miss it argghhh 😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

[@ericmgarrison]

I ❤️ that the end of Graham’s AbFab day was just a ride home on the DLR!

[@norahdenovan8658]

The funniest thing ever, thank you so much for all those hours of laughing ❤️🌹

[@jacquelinehauser220]

Watched it a million times.

[@martinbeckett3367]

Watched this interview hundreds of times still 😂😂😂😂

[@sothathappened]

i've never seen them interviewed together before... what a marvelous chemistry still exists between these comedy legends!! so happy to see this

[@randalstilskin5266]

LOL the show came out when I was in Jr. High me and mom started watching it together, in our own way we are alot like Saph and Eddie which made it more hysterical.

[@Siran4228]

Absolute geniuses! I love these too. Will be so sad when they leave.

[@caribman10]

Wow, the takeaway I get here is that Joanna is still just as sexy as she was 1,2,3 and 4 decades ago. Wow. All that and a first class intellect AND actress.

[@carlycool4]

caribman10 Yep. Even on this side of the pond I saw her on the Avengers. Hottttt!

[@belleespirit4712]

Favorite TV show of all time!!!!!!

[@rileynelson6624]

Aunt Spiker and Fairy Godmother chatting together 😂

[@stephenrobinson9252]

Joanna Lumley is just the sexiest woman ever.

[@aliray1868]

Simply Fabulous best show EVER!!!!!!

[@kepler186f4]

I don't know who Jennifer and Joanna are, but you can tell that they have become very close and dear friends.

[@frances4007]

Joanna is wow !!! My favourite programme in my younger years ! Also love rebel

[@gengarrules777]

It only takes one person in a room of a million that believes in you and it makes a difference

[@ivanbarbosa81]

Love Joanna and Jennifer and miss them on tv

[@sharonharding8861]

Ab Fab is Iconic. Those ladies are comedic geniuses!

[@livequality4578]

Absolutely Fabsolutely, great comedy.

[@rocknroller1986]

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these 2 SOOOO much!!

[@Brogan_Balfour_Crescent]

26 felt weird to hear but now it's 32 years old damn.

[@nickl.4168]

True industry professionals❤️

[@johantillgren1510]

Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley are so smart. Dear god they are icons.

[@miladydewinter7770]

I'm lucky enough to have the complete set of Ab Fab on DVD and I watch them regularly when I'm need of a lift. It never gets old. (The American version stunk - they ruined Ab Fab just like they did with The Office).

[@tankgirl6446]

There was an American version????

[@JuliaBl]

@@tankgirl6446 I am as surprised as you are.

[@raywright8226]

Same deal with "Kath & Kim". The US remake was awful.

[@elysehfm8797]

I haven't found a person who agrees with me on the UK Office in FOREVER! There is no use with speaking those those people AT ALL.

[@dutchmiami]

i have the series of ABFAB and French and Saunders: the first series was on VHS cassette !!!!! i watched it so many time it became un-usable and then of course i got ALL the ABFAB series on DVD:-) sooooooo awesome these girls :-) I looooooooove AbFab.-) Thankyou Pats and Edina!

[@ronaldstrange8981]

One of the very, very best shows ever.

[@sherrybiery315]

Made Joanna Lumley scary awesome in James and The Giant Peach!! ❤

[@ChristinaGina]

I never clicked a video so fast....

[@yolandavaughn4835]

I still watch they show ❤ love them

[@lynnnaude]

OMW this show was so amazingly hilarious with these two beautiful ladies. The cast all round just fitted in. Thanks I have watch it over many times. Keep on smiling 😍🤩

[@abiyoe91]

did each glass on the table represent their figure?

[@hemagurunh9731]

Your Bae lmaoooo

[@MrFolky77]

Your Bae SO funny!!

[@entertain7us148]

oh my god

[@abbymae2281]

Your Bae that’s jokes 😂😂

[@summertime35]

haaha good one.

[@ellasmommy9278]

I adore Ab Fab. Patsy is my sister hands down. And because I'm more of a hippie child however genius, I'm more like Edina. True story. The movie premiered at a theater downtown Denver. I only lived a few blocks from it so I decided to walk. It's summertime so I had these big sunglasses on and this big white floppy hat because I'm allergic to the sun. Didn't think anything of it. I got welcomed into that theater like I was a cast member and got invited for drinks after the movie. It never occurred to me I was dressing like Edina.

[@karenricci3712]

LOVE LOVE LOVE AB FAB GREAT SHOW

[@Jeff-un7vw]

"That's Jennifer, I didn't know anything about drinking" my God it's one of the best line of the show!!!

[@smorgi]

I AM SO IN LOVE WITH JEN

[@keythdanielsen8316]

Ali Fraser She is sexy

[@raeturner8711]

@@regalsmartie11 when the 1st ep aired or the 2001?

[@Hoganply]

@@keythdanielsen8316 That so many people still share this sentiment says a lot. She's no mere Barbie, either.

[@keythdanielsen8316]

@@Hoganply So true.

[@minky7252]

The most creative, hilarious show

[@S.H.Jurida]

2:04 😀❤ "I didn't know anything about drinking."

[@Americathebeautiful49]

It’s obvious that they haven’t lost it. Graham always tries to bring out the best in his guests but in this instance he didn’t need to try hard at all.

[@321edhp]

Gerkins or ghurkas respect to you both you are an inspiration h n crew

[@Janet7144]

I watched an item on tv called Absolutely Champers with these 2 and it was hilarious. I recorded it so I can watch it again.

[@aliasmarg8ta127]

I am afraid that I ever met Joanna and Jennifer in person, I'd be fangirling so bad, I'd embarrass myself. I've been a huge fan of Joanna's since her New Avenger days. I thought Purdey was the coolest woman ever.

[@faytalbot9817]

Absolutely fantastic WOW LUV IT

[@cserannie80]

Shall I do it Scottish? Priceless:)