New ITV Series Follows Joanna Lumley Around Japan

LONDON: Ab Fab star Joanna Lumley is fronting a new three-part series for ITV, which will see the actress journey more than 2,000 miles traveling across Japan.

The 3×1-hour Joanna Lumley’s Japan is being produced by Burning Bright Productions. Best known to audiences as Edina Monsoon from Absolutely Fabulous, Lumley will travel to the far reaches of Japan, from the icy Siberian seas of the north to the subtropical islands of the south. The executive producer is Clive Tulloh, and the series will be produced and directed by Neil Fergusson and Ewen Thompson.

Lumley said: “Isn’t it odd, we feel we are so familiar with Japan, with sushi and Toshiba, kimonos and Hello Kitty, tsunamis and sake… and yet when we traveled around that spectacular country I couldn’t even guess at the unknown wonders that were in store for us. Every moment was thrilling, fascinating and often very moving. With my hand on my heart I can say: please come with me… to Japan!”

Jo Clinton-Davis, controller of factual at ITV, said: “Exotic, enchanting, exciting, Japan is a country with so many gifts and with her natural warmth, vibrant curiosity and inimitable humor, Joanna Lumley is uniquely equipped to bring them home to our viewers as she guides us through this latest adventure.”

Tulloh, creative director at Burning Bright Productions, said: “We are incredibly excited to be exploring the whole length of Japan with Joanna Lumley for her new ITV series, which promises warmth, fun and surprises as she immerses herself in the unique experiences offered by this charming and fascinating country.”