PC brigade killed Ab Fab revival, darling
HIT comedy Absolutely Fabulous could never be revived because “people are so politically correct now”, its writer says.
Jennifer Saunders, 58, who also played fashion PR Edina Monsoon in the sitcom, was speaking at the BBC Worldwide Showcase to celebrate 25 years since the TV series’ launch.
Saunders and her co-star Joanna Lumley, 70, known for playing Edina’s sidekick Patsy Stone, ruled out the show returning to screens again, after it ran for 10 years from 1992.
The champagne-swigging, chain-smoking duo delighted fans last year on the big screen with Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie, but Saunders said that was their swansong. “I think it’s a very happy resolve,” she said. Lumley agreed, saying it was best to “leave it where it is”, adding: “Also the world’s a bit funny now, it’s gone a bit strange, a bit harder to parody.”
Saunders added: “People are so politically correct now, we couldn’t get away with anything, you can’t even get away with a politically incorrect character, because that is seen as being politically incorrect. Everyone’s down on everyone for everything.”
Saunders said that going back to watch old episodes is a “joy” – because she has forgotten so much of the characters’ on-screen antics. “There’s so much I’ve forgotten, some of them come as a complete surprise,” she smiled.
She added that she thinks the appeal of Ab Fab has lasted because it is not stuck in time, and also partly because Edina and Patsy are great hen party fancy dress options, giving people a chance to free themselves.
She said: “People enjoy the fact that Edina and Patsy don’t care – and it gives them a chance to not care.”
Lumley added: “The thing is, it’s high satire, and it’s just very funny and I think one thing I love the human race for is its sense of humour.”