UK Comedy "Amandaland" Filming Transforms London Street into Festive Set
BBC sitcom "Amandaland" recently filmed its Christmas special on a quiet Highbury street, turning it into a festive set with elaborate decorations and dramatic scenes.
A leafy street in Highbury, London, was recently transformed into a festive film set for the BBC comedy "Amandaland." The production turned Ferntower Road, an area with late-Victorian terraces, into the show's fictional South Harlesden, also known as 'SoHa,' for the filming of its upcoming Christmas special. Houses on Ferntower Road can sell for over £2 million, a stark contrast to the show's portrayal of Amanda's (played by Lucy Punch) post-divorce move to a less affluent area.
For four days in late September and early October, approximately 45 crew members descended on the street, with cast trailers parked nearby and catering set up at the Mildmay Club. The shoot was described by a source as having a considerably bigger budget and longer duration than previous seasons, allowing for the filming of elaborate scenes, including a rival Christmas party at a neighboring house. Residents were reportedly paid around £500 to allow their gardens to be decorated with Christmas lights and trees.
During filming, the street saw dramatic scenes unfold, with Lucy Punch, dressed as a 'middle-aged wannabe sexy Santa,' assisting a distressed pregnant friend, Anne, played by Philippa Dunne. Residents reported seeing ambulances and hearing screams during the filming, adding to the dramatic atmosphere. The BBC has kept the specifics of the on-screen drama under wraps.
Amanda's fictional home was depicted with tasteful decorations, including a wreath and subtle lights, while the neighbor's party was characterized by gaudy decorations, Christmas gnomes, and a large inflatable Santa. This contrast in set dressing was a key element of the episode's narrative, which revolves around Amanda hosting a Christmas party while unaware of a nearby celebration.
Filming involved bright production lights and repeated calls of "action" into the evenings. However, most residents embraced the filming, with some expressing amusement at the production's ability to make their well-kept street appear less polished, as was done in the first series with bin bags and an overturned shopping trolley. The show's creators intentionally use the contrast between the well-to-do filming location and the fictional, less affluent setting as a central comedic element.
"Amandaland" has achieved significant success, with its 2025 Christmas special attracting 7.4 million viewers, making it the most-watched British comedy episode of that year. The second series averaged 4.5 million viewers, and the first season won Best Scripted Comedy at the Bafta Television Awards.
