Spice Girl Emma Bunton and comedian Ruby Wax and are among the celebrities who will join Jennifer Saunders and Dame Joanna Lumley in a programme reflecting on the legacy of hit sitcom Absolutely Fabulous.

Saunders, who plays PR boss Edina “Eddie” Monsoon on the show, and Dame Joanna, known for portraying her alcoholic friend Patsy Stone, will appear alongside Julia Sawalha (Saffron Monsoon) and Jane Horrocks (Bubble), as well as a roster of famous faces.

Rev star Tom Hollander, actress Meera Syal, Saltburn director Emerald Fennell, and director Richard Curtis will also speak on the show, airing on comedy channel Gold.

Ab Fab
Meera Syal (Adam Lawrence/PA)

Saunders, 66, writer and creator of the show, said: “I loved making Ab Fab but I can’t remember a great deal, so much of this retrospective is a revelation to me. Thank you Gold for this kind and helpful programme.”

Dame Joanna, 78, 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.”

The special will pay tribute to Dame June Whitfield, who died in 2018 aged 93, and played Eddie’s mother on the show.

As well as this, an array of archived items will be shared with viewers from original scripts to high-fashion outfits, made by costume designer Rebecca Hale – as well as the various glam looks created and captured by the series hair and make-up artist, Jan Sewell, in an abundance of original Polaroids.

Absolutely Fabulous
Joanna Lumley and Jennifer Saunders (Adam Lawrence/PA)

Ab Fab, as it is known among fans, first appeared on UK screens in 1992 and followed Edina and retired model Patsy 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: Inside Out will air on Gold at 9pm on October 17 and the original episodes will air exclusively every night on Gold at 9pm weeknights in October.