Amandaland’s Lucy Punch has replaced Dawn French as the star of Marks & Spencer‘s big budget Christmas campaign, according to reports.
The actress, 48 – who is best known for her portrayal of wannabe influencer and alpha mum Amanda in the BBC comedy series Motherland and spin-off show Amandaland – will front the retailer’s first ever joint fashion and food festive advertisements.
Previously, Dawn, 68, has fronted the M&S Food TV ads since 2021, while the likes of Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Hannah Waddingham, Jennifer Saunders, Tan France and Zawe Ashton have also starred in Christmas campaigns for the company.
However, this year there is just one advert which will combine both fashion and food.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: ‘Amandaland is one of the most popular shows on telly right now, and bosses thought it would be really fun to cast Lucy in their Christmas ad to promote both their food and fashion ranges.
‘Filming has already taken place with a massive budget. Lucy’s character Amanda wears a lot of M+S clothes in the series so she is the perfect model for them. It’s all under wraps until November, but fans aren’t going to be disappointed.
‘There are still a few surprises in store, too.’
Amandaland’s Lucy Punch (pictured far left) has replaced Dawn French as the star of Marks & Spencer’s big budget Christmas campaign, according to reports
Previously, Dawn (pictured), 68, has fronted the M&S Food TV ads since 2021, while the likes of Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Hannah Waddingham, Jennifer Saunders and Tan France
The Daily Mail has contacted Lucy’s representative and M&S for comment.
Last year, more than 3.1 million viewers tuned into the Amandaland Christmas special, placing it in the top ten most-viewed programmes of Christmas Day.
Lucy previously discussed the show’s success, observing that many people think they ‘know’ a woman like the lead character.
The actress told Radio Times: ‘Everyone says they know an Amanda, but she’s based on a lot of people I’ve come across.
‘She’s lots of little pieces. She’s not a caricature; there’s stuff that’s endearing, and stuff that’s horrific and obnoxious. She can’t just be one thing, otherwise she’d have no friends and not be able to function.’
Lucy also acknowledged that while she’s like her on-screen character in some ways, she’s very different in others.
The actress said: ‘I’m hopeful like she is, and can find the positive in a situation. I hope I’m a lot more self-aware, not as pretentious and snobby.’
Lucy has also been shocked by the longevity of her alter ego.
Asked if the character’s longevity was a surprise, Lucy replied: ‘I couldn’t have imagined 10 years later I’d be here, but that first script was incredible, as was the cast. And here we are.’