BIRDS of a Feather will NEVER return to screens, Linda Robson has revealed.
The actress – who has played Tracey Stubbs in the iconic sitcom for 35 years – has opened up about bringing the show to an end after co-star Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis.
Pauline played Tracey’s sister Sharon Theodopolopodous who moved in with her sister after their husbands were jailed for armed robbery.
The show also starred Lesley Joseph as Tracey’s man-eating neighbour Dorien Green.
First airing on BBC One in 1989, it ran until 1998 before coming to an end.
The show was revived by ITV in 2014 with the last episodes airing in 2020.
However now Pauline’s dementia battle has been made public, Linda has confirmed that the show will not return.
She told the Daily Star Sunday: “Now Pauline has retired, Birds of a Feather won’t come back.
“It wouldn’t be the same without her. It’s had its day now. It’s time to move on.”
Last month told how Pauline no longer recognises her own children because of the dementia.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun at the TV Choice Awards, the Loose Women panellist said: “It’s very sad.
“We’ve been best friends since we were ten. I’ve known [about the diagnosis] for three years and we’ve managed to keep it quiet.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Iconic scenes from Birds of a Feather” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6328967493112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“She doesn’t know who anybody is. She doesn’t know who I am or who her kids are. Dementia is terrible – I’d rather get cancer, because at least then you’ve got a chance.”
Pauline’s husband announced the sad news in a statement earlier this year.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife Pauline’s decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of Dementia in 2021,” he said.
“Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours and as the founder of the very successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).
“Her talent, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young peoples’ progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence.”