Joanna Lumley reveals her minimal drinking habits and love of cigarettes while reflecting on her acting career in London

Joanna Lumley, forever etched in the public imagination as the chain-smoking, champagne-loving Patsy Stone from Absolutely Fabulous, has revealed that real life is a little less boozy than fans might expect.

At 79, the iconic actress admits she barely drinks, reserving even a single glass for Christmas, because she “can’t bear drunk people.”

Champagne, Cigarettes, and a Personal Twist

Speaking to Woman & Home magazine for their festive issue, Dame Joanna posed with a glass of champagne, radiating her trademark smile. “Truthfully, I’ve never really drunk much.

I can’t stand feeling woozy, and I can’t bear drunken people,” she admitted candidly.

While she might not overindulge in alcohol, she’s not shy about her love for cigarettes: “I don’t smoke a lot, either.

I’ve had two today and I’ll have four more,” she said, offering a glimpse into her unique balance between moderation and indulgence.

Her festive outfit for the photoshoot reflected her effortless elegance: a beige overcoat with matching trousers and a sparkly top, perfectly complementing her radiant personality.

Feeling “Trapped” by Work and the Joy of Uncertainty

Even as Lumley continues to shine on screen, she confessed to feeling somewhat confined by her current role as a grandmother in Tim Burton’s Netflix comedy-horror hit Wednesday. “I’m lucky enough to be working on Wednesday until the middle of next year.

But this is unusual, and I can’t stand knowing what I’m going to do next year,” she explained.

The actress, who has always embraced the unpredictability of her career, likened this structured schedule to feeling trapped.

“I’ve loved never knowing what I’m going to do next – if I’ll get £10 for a job or £10,000 for a day. I like the uncertainty of circus life,” she said.

Absolutely Fabulous Reunion? Not Happening

For fans hoping for a revival of Absolutely Fabulous, Lumley had some tough news.

Despite previous openness to the idea of reuniting with co-star Jennifer Saunders, she has firmly shut the door.

“The answer’s No. Jennifer would say No, so I’m saying No for her. It’s over,” she confirmed, ending years of speculation.

A Career That Spans Five Decades

Dame Joanna’s legendary career stretches over fifty years.

From her early days as a Bond girl in 1969 to high-kicking spy Purdey in The New Avengers in the 1970s, and of course the unforgettable Patsy Stone in the 1990s, she has continually captivated audiences.

Her more recent roles include a memorable kiss with Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) and a sharp-turn as Lucy Punch’s caustic mother in the BBC sitcom Amandaland.

Even now, Lumley remains a magnetic presence, blending glamour, wit, and a dash of rebellious charm.