BBC announce surprise spin-off for cancelled hit sitcom after fans were outraged over axe
BBC have announced a surprise spin-off to a much-loved comedy that was axed two months ago.
Fans were devastated back in March to learn BAFTA award-winning sitcom Motherland would not get a fourth series.
Diane Morgan, who played single mother Liz in the show, revealed in an interview with The Times two months ago that the Beeb had quietly cancelled the series.
Diane said at the time: “I hate to say it, because I still get women running up to me with prams in the street asking me when it’s coming back.”
While the BBC declined to comment at the time, they have now announced the show will live on in the form of a new spin-off focussed on uptight mum, Amanda, played by Lucy Punch.
The new series, titled Amandaland, will also see comedy legend Joanna Lumley reprise her role as Amanda’s punishing mother, Felicity.
The show will follow Amanda after she has to relocate to South Harlesden after hitting hard times following her divorce.
According to the official BBC blurb, Amanda must “deal with modern motherhood horrors like teenage drinking, fake Instagram accounts and eco anxiety” while also putting up with her mum’s withering putdowns about her new home.
Amanda’s long-suffering pal Anne (Philippa Dunne) will also return for the spin-off.
It’s unclear whether Motherland lead Anna Maxwell-Martin, who played harassed Julia, will appear in the new show, although she may make a cameo – as could Diane Morgan’s Liz and Paul Ready’s wimpy Kevin.
Sharon Horgan, who created Motherland and is producing the new series, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the BBC and with this incredible cast.
“Motherland took off in a way that none of us were expecting and it’s just so exciting that we get to continue to make this next chapter of parenthood and friendship.
“We have new parents, a new school and new problems to look forward to. We can’t wait to get going on it”.
Amandaland will run for six episodes and is written by is written by Holly Walsh, Helen Serafinowicz and Barunka O’Shaughnessy, who have previously written for Motherland, Trying and Breeders.
Further casting details are expected in the coming weeks with the show scheduled to hit the airwaves later this year.
When Motherland’s cancellation was revealed, fans quickly took to social media to express their dismay.
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Fuming, one die-hard fan said: “F*** off has it been cancelled.”
A second wrote: “Is it true that #motherland has been cancelled? WTF BBC One.”
“Can’t we still get one off Xmas specials etc,” begged a third viewer.