It’s amazing how popular Absolutely Fabulous is on both sides of the Atlantic, and while the resurrection of other classic sitcoms hasn’t been as successful the characters of Edina Monsoon and Patsy Stone still seem relevant. We saw them twice over the Christmas period, but the third and final episode of this short run, which is also possibly the last episode ever, focuses on the run up to the Olympic Games however its main theme is how our two central characters aren’t as young as they used to be.

Obviously the running joke throughout Ab Fab is that PR executive Eddy isn’t nearly as well-connected as she used to be, and as the years progress, she’s becoming less relevant as is evidenced in this episode’s earlier scene in which she tries to get at appointment with Stella McCartney only to be snubbed which leads to a very obvious if still very funny A Streetcar Named Desire reference. Read more & comment »

As we head into Olympic Week let’s have a look at some non-sports programmes mst of which do have an Olympic theme.

TV’s Biggest Blockbusters (ITV1, Sat, 8:35pm)
I was always a fan of the list shows that Channel 4 used to air and this ITV1 show looks to be in the same vein as we look back at some of the most watched shows in British TV history. There are the usual suspects here of course including Hilda Ogden’s Coronation Street exit, the final episode of Only Fools and Horses and the 1966 World Cup final however there are some surprises. For example who remembers sitcom Oh No! It’s Selwyn Froggatt or Market in Honey Lane? Well both feature in this list as shows that were obviously popular but stood the test of time. The talking heads aren’t just the usual cavalcade of rubbish comedians but classy sorts such as Michael Aspel and Trevor McDonald. Though there’s nothing particularly original here I still love a good list show as I find them strangely reassuring and will definitely be tuning in to watch this one.

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Next Monday, which is July 23, the BBC will air the highly anticipated new episode of Absolutely Fabulous which of course has an Olympics theme.

Airing at 9.30pm on BBC1, the special promises an embarrassment of riches in terms of guest stars, including, Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Dame Kelly Holmes and Stella McCartney.

The special – which may be the last Ab Fab ever! – will focus on Eddy’s attempts to rent out her house during the Olympics.

Starring of course Jennifer Saunders as Eddy and Joanna Lumley as Patsy Stone, the special also sees the return of June Whitfield as Gran, Julia Sawalha as Saffy, and Jane Horrocks as Bubble.

Also appearing will be Christopher Ryan as Marshall and Mo Gaffney as Bo.

Click ‘Read more’ to see all the spoilers pics as well as clip for the episode and Joanna Lumley talking about making the show… Read more & comment »