Absolutely Fabulous Actress Joanna Lumley Reveals Patsy Is Transgender

The ladies of “Absolutely Fabulous” are returning to the screen this July to bring the hit BBC series to theaters. While the leading gals are promoting the comedy, Joanna Lumley revealed that her character Patsy is transgender.

“You go back and pick through it, the amount of gay references and ease with which it’s been put into the story, without it being dragged along like a great log of plot,” explained the actress during an interview with V Magazine. “It’s really normal that one of Edina’s ex-husbands now lives with his young boyfriend.It’s completely normal that Edina wants Saffy to be a lesbian or that Serge is gay and living in New York. It’s completely normal that Patsy is transgender.”

The series had previously touched upon the subject when Jennifer Saunder’s character Edina Monsoon had referred to a time in 1971 when Patsy was said to have had a sex change operation. In 2003, there was also a flashback scene with Patsy having a mustache.

During the interview Saunder’s also talked about how viewers are so easily offended nowadays and that being a reason why there might not be more of “Ab Fab.”

“Honestly, I’ve got this feeling [‘Ab Fab’] could be done. I don’t think there’s any juice left,” the actress explained. “You can’t be rude about stuff anymore,” she said. “Everyone’s so f**king sensitive about everything now.”

But fans will still have their dose of Patsy and Edina as they reunite in the upcoming film. This time, the story revolves around the duo as they head to a glitzy fashion party and are blamed for possibly killing Kate Moss. The boozy ladies are then forced to be on the run and escape to the south of France.

“Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie” will be released on July 1 in the U.K. and then on July 22 in the U.S. Watch the trailer below: