Absolutely Fabulous. Image shows from L to R: Bubble (Jane Horrocks), Saffron (Julia Sawalha), Edina (Jennifer Saunders), Mother (June Whitfield), Patsy (Joanna Lumley). Copyright: Saunders And French Productions / BBC
Absolutely Fabulous

Absolutely Fabulous

  • TV sitcom
  • BBC One / BBC Two
  • 1992 - 2012
  • 39 episodes (5 series)

Public relations maven Edina and best friend Patsy drive sensible daughter Saffron up the wall with their self-absorbed, substance-abusing escapades. Stars Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha, June Whitfield and Jane Horrocks

  • JustWatch Streaming rank this week: 652

Episode menu

Series 4, Episode 4 - Donkey

Following on a theory of appearing a 'donkey' in comparison to Patsy's 'racehorse', Edina commits herself to lose weight. Will the desired effects be seen fast enough?

Further details

Absolutely Fabulous. Image shows from L to R: Edina (Jennifer Saunders), Katy Grin (Jane Horrocks). Copyright: Saunders And French Productions / BBC

On a girls night out with Katy, Fleur and Katriona, Patsy and Eddy discuss how all relationships have a strong, attractive 'racehorse' and a submissive, less attractive 'donkey' who makes them look good by comparison.

Feeling like the 'donkey' in her relationship with Patsy, Edina embarks on her most strenuous and committed attempt to lose weight ever. The road is not easy and she is guided by God who protects her from the temptations of the Devil. Edina's resolve is bolstered when she finds that her efforts are paying off.

Meanwhile, Patsy experiments with her own new-look, pulling back her fringe. Unfortunately her initial effort is unsuccessful. Edina's resolve too, is broken when she does not get the desired attention fast enough.

Broadcast details

Date
Friday 21st September 2001
Time
9pm
Channel
BBC One
Length
30 minutes

Repeats

Show past repeats

Date Time Channel
Wednesday 14th December 2011 11:45pm Gold
Thursday 15th December 2011 2:20am Gold
Monday 12th March 2012 11:50pm Gold
Tuesday 13th March 2012 1:35am Gold
Sunday 25th March 2012 11:40pm Gold
Monday 26th March 2012 1:40am Gold
Friday 5th July 2013 11:20pm Gold
Saturday 6th July 2013 2:20am Gold
Tuesday 8th April 2014 12:30am Gold
Tuesday 8th April 2014 2:10am Gold
Thursday 29th May 2014 10:20pm Gold
Friday 30th May 2014 1:30am Gold
Wednesday 29th October 2014 11:20pm Gold
Thursday 30th October 2014 2:25am Gold
Thursday 2nd July 2015 11:40pm Gold
Friday 3rd July 2015 3:30am Gold
Thursday 10th March 2016 11:20pm Gold
Friday 11th March 2016 2:55am Gold
Tuesday 21st February 2017 10:40pm W
Saturday 14th October 2017 10:20pm Gold
Wednesday 29th November 2017 11:20pm W
Thursday 15th March 2018 9:20pm Gold
Tuesday 12th June 2018 11:40pm W
Wednesday 13th June 2018 11:00pm W
Wednesday 11th July 2018 11:55pm Gold
Sunday 13th February 2022 1:00am Gold
Sunday 13th February 2022 11:00pm Gold
Saturday 18th June 2022 11:50pm Gold
Saturday 14th January 2023 12:55am Gold
Friday 3rd February 2023 12:40am Gold
Saturday 13th May 2023 12:15am Gold
Saturday 13th May 2023 2:50am Gold
Saturday 13th May 2023 11:30pm Gold

Cast & crew

Cast
Jennifer Saunders Edina
Joanna Lumley Patsy
Julia Sawalha Saffron
June Whitfield Mother
Guest cast
Harriet Thorpe Fleur
Helen Lederer Catriona
Marianne Faithfull God
Jane Horrocks Katy Grin
Tilly Blackwood Lady Candida De Denison-Bender
Robin Cope Fitness Instructor
Julian Rhind-Tutt Taylor (Saffy's Actor Friend)
Andrea Gillie Patsy's Secretary
Jessica Willcocks Minge
Anita Pallenberg Devil
Writing team
Jennifer Saunders Writer
Ruby Wax Script Editor
Production team
Bob Spiers Director
Jon Plowman Producer
Jonathan Paul Llewellyn (as Jonathan P. Llewellyn) Producer
Chris Wadsworth Editor
Harry Banks Production Designer
Simon Brint Composer

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