Saunders quits acting

British comedienne Jennifer Saunders is ditching her acting career for good because she is exhausted by the gruelling lifestyle.

The 47-year-old Absolutely Fabulous star is keen to continue writing and directing, but she refuses to write another series of the cult TV comedy - insisting she is too old to play flamboyant fashionista Edina Monsoon.

Saunders says: "The 6am calls to go to make-up and all the promotional work wear you down.

"I would like to write and direct - that would be my joy."