Joanna Lumley

Absolutely Fabulous actress, model and charity campaigner, Joanna Lumley OBE is a British Institution. Her presence, charisma and worldliness combine to create a highly sought after keynote speaker and awards host.

Born in Kashmir, India, (her father was a major in the Gurkha Rifles), Joanna’s family returned to the UK after Indian independence.

An aspiring actress, she first came to fame as a model in London's swinging 1960s, where she was photographed by the greats, including the late Patrick Lichfield. She was designer Jean Muir's muse and became one of the top ten most-booked models of the 1960s.

Her first TV appearance was in a bread advert, followed closely by her ‘big break’ on Coronation Street – she turned down Ken Barlow’s marriage proposal!

It was The Avengers that brought Joanna (and her ‘Purdey bob’ hairdo) to the forefront of popular culture!

It was her reinvention as a comic actress in her role as champagne-loving, chain-smoking Patsy in Absolutely Fabulous, from 1992-2005, that cemented her role as one of the UK's best loved & most respected actresses. The show was formed into a hit film in 2016, featuring countless celebrity cameos.

In 2008 Joanna became the public face of a campaign to provide Gurkha veterans with the right to settle in Britain.  She is also a vegetarian and an active crusader for animal rights.

Joanna has been a supporter of Survival International and the cause of indigenous rights, a patron of Tree Aid and a patron of the Pastoral and Environmental Network in the Horn of Africa. Other charities supported include Mind, ActionAid and SANE.

She has won three BAFTA awards and a British Comedy Award.

Joanna’s charismatic style and eccentric flair make her a winning hit presenter and awards host.