The original cast – Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha, June Whitfield and Jane Horrocks – will all return for the new episodes, which will be co-produced by BBC America and Logo.

Set in the present day, the first special will see the group “in the midst of a life-changing experience for one – which affects them all”, while the second special will see Eddy “set her sights on changing the career of a very big fish indeed”. In the final special, Eddy and Patsy “play their own very special part in the London 2012 Olympics”.

Creator Jennifer Saunders commented: “Its great that we are able to celebrate our 20th birthday with all the original cast. Like a good bottle of champagne we hope that we have got better with time without losing any of our sparkle. Last week when we started filming in dear old West London, it was as if nothing had changed. It was raining. Nevertheless, we are so happy to be working for an audience that has grown just a tiny bit older like us, but is still willing to let us fall over on TV in the name of PR.”

Executive producer Jon Plowman added: “Viewers have been fantastically loyal in their devotion to our show, so we’re really thrilled to say that it’s coming back for three new shows to celebrate our 20th anniversary. All of the originals who are back together again are still truly absolutely fabulous and the new adventures of Edina, Patsy, Saffy, Bubble and Mother, plus a few surprising guests, will be a real treat for viewers.”

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Watch the Series 5 trailer…