Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley have started filming the long-awaited Absolutely Fabulous film.

The pair will return as the iconic Edina and Patsy in the new feature film, alongside the rest of the original cast, including Julia Sawalha as Saffy, Jane Horrocks as Bubble and June Whitfield as Mother.

The cast will apparently be joined by “a host of A-list stars from the acting, music and fashion worlds”.

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Directed by Mandie Fletcher (Blackadder) and written by Jennifer Saunders, Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie is shooting on location in the UK and the south of France for seven weeks.

Ab Fab first aired in November 1992 and the most recent special aired in July 2012.

Saunders commented: “I am thrilled and excited to finally start filming.  We are all on the Sanatogen and hoping for the best.”

Christine Langan, Head of BBC Films added: “Ab Fab on the big screen is a treat we’ve been hotly anticipating at BBC Films and we’re very proud to join Jennifer and her terrific team for this delicious reunion.”

The first official promotional image was unveiled today.

Produced by Fox Searchlight Pictures and BBC Films, Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie will arrive in cinemas in 2016.

Are you looking forward to Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie? Let us know below…