Joanna Lumley David McCallum. Conceived as ITV's answer to "Doctor Who", Lumley played a mysterious elemental being ("Sapphire") who, with her collaborator, "Steel", dealt with breaches in the fabric of time. In 1986, television producer Sydney Newman suggested Lumley for the role of the Doctor but his idea was dismissed. Over a decade later Lumley's career was boosted by her portrayal of the louche, selfish and frequently drunk fashion director Patsy Stone, companion to Jennifer Saunders' Edina Monsoon in the BBC comedy television series "Absolutely Fabulous" (1992–1996, 2001–2004, 2011–2012). "" was released in 2016. In 1994 and 1995 Lumley starred alongside Nadine
Absolutely Fabulous (series 4) a different plot. Saunders, along with Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha, Jane Horrocks and June Whitfield returned for the pilot. A series was never produced. However, having the cast reunited for "Mirrorball" inspired Saunders to revive "Ab Fab" and a fourth series was produced. A Christmas special, 'Gay' (titled 'Absolutely Fabulous in New York' in the United States) was produced following the fourth series and was broadcast in 2002. <onlyinclude></onlyinclude> Christmas Special VHS (United States) VHS (United Kingdom) DVD (Region 1) DVD (Region 2) DVD (Region 4) 'Gay' special "Absolutely Fabulous: Continuity" (4 October 2001) by Jennifer Saunders (Headline, ) Absolutely