Jennifer Saunders' hilarious alter ego Edina Monsoon steals the show at McCartney's Absolutely Fabulous store lighting ceremony

Stella who?

By Sarah Bull
Last updated at 9:21 AM on 30th November 2011



She might have taken home one of the biggest prizes at the British Fashion Awards, but it wasn't Stella McCartney who was the centre of attention at the turning on of the Christmas lights of her London store last night.

Instead it was Jennifer Saunders, in character as her Absolutely Fabulous alter-ego Edina Monsoon, who had the audience in stitches outside the Mayfair store as she was joined by Emma Bunton.

Wearing an eye-catching gold jacket and ginger curly wig, Saunders proceeded to make quips about stars including Nancy Dell'Olio and Stella's close friend Kate Moss before pressing the button to light up the store.

Stella who? Jennifer Saunders' Absolutely Fabulous character Edina Monsoon was the star of the show at McCartney's store Christmas lights switch on event with Emma Bunton

In the spotlight: Saunders, as Edina, quipped about Nancy Dell'Olio and Kate Moss as well as trying to get former Spice Girls star Emma to sing

And while all eyes were certainly on Edina at the event, there was a fair share of famous faces present as well.

Designer Stella played it safe in an all-black outfit after her British Fashion Awards jumpsuit faux pas, and was supported by her father Paul and his new wife Nancy Shevell, who looked stunning in a ladylike tweed outfit.

Kate Moss was also spotted entering the store with her daughter Lila, while Mariella Frostrup posed up for photographers outside the store wearing a festive red lace dress.

Feeling festive? Store owner Stella wore all black while her father Paul arrived with his new wife Nancy Shevell

Famous faces: Kate Moss, Mariella Frostrup and Ab Fab star Helen Lederer were also present at the event

Ab Fab star Helen Lederer was also present with her daughter Hannah, ahead of the show's Christmas special this December.

While details of the plot for the programme are being kept tightly under wraps, Saunders revealed recently that she and co-star Joanna Lumley would be joined by some familiar faces, including her fellow lighting pal, Bunton, who first appeared in the show back in 2003 and will also be returning for the reunion.
Expressing her relief that the cast are all able to return for the BBC One specials, she jokes: 'Everyone's still alive - phew!'

Friends in high places: Dame Kelly Holmes posted a photo of her with Sir Paul, 'Eddie' and Emma Bunton on Twitter

Saunders added to Graham Norton that there wasn't space for lots of celebrity cameos, saying: 'With only three episodes there are a lot of people to pack in, but we've got the regulars, Lulu and Emma Bunton.'

Saunders also admitted she couldn't help notice a few signs of ageing when the Absolutely Fabulous cast reunited to prepare for the specials.
She said: 'It was a lovely thing going back. It all seemed the same, except at the read-through there was a lot of snapping open of spectacle cases and people bending low to read their scripts.'

Joining in the fun: Fundraiser Bob Geldof (left) and TV presenter Chris Evans also turned out

Saunders wrote three new episodes which will be aired at Christmas, while recovering from breast cancer.

After the lighting ceremony, Bunton joined the rest of the Absolutely Fabulous cast at a screening of the specials, and was quick to take to Twitter to tell fans of her reaction.

She tweeted: 'Bolly ahoy, at BAFTA with my mate Eddy watching the best thing I've seen in ages!!!!'

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas: The beautiful lights on Stella's Mayfair store

Festive spirit: Designer Pam Hogg looked amused by the entertainment provided by a musical Santa Claus

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2067829/Jennifer-Saunders-hilarious-alter-ego-Edina-Monsoon-Stella-McCartneys-Absolutely-Fabulous-store-lighting-ceremony.html#ixzz1fCtGaLge