Originally auditioned for the voice-part of Ursula in The Little Mermaid (1989) by recording an audio tape, but she was turned down for the part. However, Steven Spielberg heard the tape many years later and by his request, she was cast as the Fairy Godmother in Shrek 2 (2004).

Performed all her own singing in Shrek 2 (2004).

Is now in remission after secretly battling Breast Cancer since October 2009. (July 2010)

The Eurythmics' songs "Jennifer", (from the album "Sweet Dreams Are Made of This"), and "Adrian" (from the album "Be Yourself Tonight") are dedicated to her and her husband.

Despite playing her mother on Absolutely Fabulous (1992), Saunders is only 10 years older than Julia Sawalha.

The name of her character, Edina Monsoon, on Absolutely Fabulous (1992) is a play on the name "Eddie Monsoon," which in turn is a play on her husband, Adrian Edmondson's surname that he has used as a character name in comedy performances.

Because she was in the midst of filming another season of Absolutely Fabulous (1992), her vocal performance in Shrek 2 (2004) was recorded in England.

Got a voice coach to help her sing for the Fairy Godmother's opening number in Shrek 2 (2004).

Was revealed that she and partner Dawn French declined Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) honors "for services to comedy drama" in 2001. (December 2003)

Has three daughters, Ella Edmondson, Beattie Edmondson and Freya Edmondson, with Adrian Edmondson.

Won a People's Choice Award for "Favorite Movie Villain" for playing the wicked Fairy Godmother in Shrek 2 (2004) (January 2005)

Has two grandsons, Fred (b. August 27, 2012) and Albert (b. February 6, 2014), via daughter Ella Edmondson.

Can do a very accurate impression of Irish actress Amanda Burton and used it in "Witless Silence", a French and Saunders (1987) spoof of Burton's TV series Silent Witness (1996).

The comedy partner of Dawn French

Began her tv career starring in Happy Families written by Ben Elton and the Granada series Girls on Top which she co wrote and co starred with Dawn French.

Presented Seth Lakeman with the Folk Singer Of The Year award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards in 2007.

An original member of the Comic Strip team.