Absolutely Fabulous, the BBC sitcom starring Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley, is set to return to TV after an absence of six years.

The popular comedy ended in 2004, however last November it was revealed that the stars had been approached by the BBC to make another series (story).

Today it appears to have been confirmed that Saunders and Lumley will indeed reprise their roles as immature fashion consultant Edina and best friend Patsy.

In an interview in the new issue of Hello! magazine, Lumley says: "In late August I start filming on three episodes of Absolutely Fabulous, which we are all ecstatic about."

Although the show starts shooting in the summer, it seems Jennifer Saunders has not yet started writing the scripts. In the interview, Lumley adds: "Miss Saunders has been so busy writing Uptown Downstairs Abbey for Comic Relief and also Spice Girls: The Musical, I don't think she's started."

Ab Fab, which is about two immature, chain-smoking, alcoholic fashion-obsessed Londoners, made its debut in November 1992. It ran for three series up to 1995, and then returned for another series in 2001, a fifth series in 2004, followed by two final Christmas specials. In July 2005, Saunders announced she would not write another series of the comedy, saying: "The 6am calls to go to make-up and all the promotional work wear you down."

The BBC has yet to officially confirm the show is to return. A spokeswoman for the corporation told MediaGuardian: "We're putting the finishing touches to the deal to bring it back and as soon as we're in a position to confirm it we will."

Earlier this year both Lumley and Saunders, alongside a host of other comic actors, starred in the Comic Relief night costume drama spoof Upstairs Downstairs Abbey.