Anna Maxwell Martin has opened up about why Motherland wrapped when it did, following the success of its BBC spin-off Amandaland.
The actor led the hit BBC comedy as Julia, the permanently frazzled working mother trying – and often failing – to keep on top of school runs, childcare, parent politics and the general chaos of modern family life.
Motherland first aired as a pilot in 2016 before launching as a full series in 2017, going on to run for three seasons and two Christmas specials. Its final festive outing, Last Christmas, aired in December 2022 and delivered a particularly emotional twist for Julia, whose mother Marion died during the episode.
Speaking to The Times, Maxwell Martin said the comedy had come to a “natural end” after three series.
“We weren’t sad because we felt we’d done really good work and were proud,” she said. “I’m so pleased [the spin-off] Amandaland has been a success.”
Asked whether she would like to make a cameo in the spin-off, Maxwell Martin gave a firm response: “No, it’s their show.”
Amandaland shifts the focus to Lucy Punch’s Amanda, formerly the queen bee of the Motherland school gates, as she adjusts to life after divorce and a move from Chiswick to South Harlesden – or “SoHa”, as she would rather call it.
The spin-off also stars Philippa Dunne as Amanda’s loyal friend Anne and Joanna Lumley as her formidable mother Felicity, with the comedy exploring a new phase of parenting as Amanda attempts to rebuild her social status while raising teenage children.
The show has proved a major success for the BBC. After returning for its second season earlier this month, Amandaland was recently renewed for a third season, with the BBC confirming that Amanda (Lucy Punch) will be back for more chaos.
It has also followed in Motherland’s footsteps at the BAFTAs. Motherland won Best Scripted Comedy in 2022, while Amandaland picked up the same prize at the 2026 BAFTA TV Awards.
So, while Julia may not be heading to SoHa any time soon, the wider Motherland universe appears to be in rude health – even if Maxwell Martin is happy to let Amanda, Anne and Felicity have the spotlight for themselves.
Amandaland is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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Authors
Morgan Jeffery is the Digital Editor for Radio Times, overseeing all editorial output across digital platforms. He was previously TV Editor at Digital Spy and has featured as a TV expert on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 5 Live and Sky Atlantic.
