Joanna Lumley has revealed that her iconic Ab Fab alter-ego Patsy Stone is transgender.

The actress, who is currently promoting the series’ upcoming film adaptation, made the admission in a new interview with V magazine. Referencing its casual attitudes towards LGBT characters and storylines, she praised the show for being ahead of its time.

“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,” Lumley explained. “It’s really normal that one of (Eddie’s) ex-husbands now lives with his young boyfriend. It’s completely normal that (Eddie’s) wants Saffy to be a lesbian, or that Serge is gay and living in New York.”

“It’s completely normal that Patsy is transgender.”

Lumley’s co-star and creator of the show, Jennifer Saunders, also shared her admiration for the show’s gay fanbase. “We tried very hard, but (gay people) refused to be offended,” she added. “I admire them for that. Thank God you’re hanging on in there.”

Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie will be released on July 1. Read the full V interview here.