Absolutely Fabulous: Joanna Lumley, Jennifer Saunders, Julia Sawalha and Jane Horrocks to reunite for documentary

Stars Jennifer Saunders, Dame Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha and Jane Horrocks will reminisce about their time working on the 90s show during the new one-off programme, which will tell the story of how it was made.

Absolutely Fabulous: Inside Out will also pay tribute to June Whitfield, who died in 2018 at the age of 93 and is known for her role as Mother in the series.

Ab Fab, as it is known among fans, first appeared on UK screens in 1992 and ran until 2003, followed PR boss Edina, played by Saunders, and retired model Patsy, played by Dame Joanna, as they attempted to relive their youth in 60s London by chasing 90s fads and indulging in heavy drinking and drugs.

Their hedonistic lifestyle constantly led to personal crises which were eventually solved by Eddie’s daughter Saffy, played by Sawalha. Horrocks featured as Eddie’s foolish personal assistant Bubble.

Absolutely Fabulous made a three-episode return between 2011 and 2012 to celebrate its 20th anniversary and in 2016 a film based on the series was released.

Saunders, who created and starred in the comedy, said she was thankful for the “kind and helpful” programme. She said: “I loved making Ab Fab but I can’t remember a great deal, so much of this retrospective is a revelation to me.”

Dame Joanna added: “It was a fabulous wander down memory lane by actresses who only have the faintest grip on reality. Really thrilling, and I hope vastly entertaining. I loved every second.”

Kirsty Hanson, who commissioned the documentary for comedy channel Gold said the show “helped break the mould for female-led comedy” and added fans are “in for a real treat”.

Actors will be joined on the show by the sitcom’s costume designers and famous fans to tell behind-the-scenes secrets and present never-before-seen clips. The documentary, produced by Expectation, will air on Gold later this year.