TV legend dashes hopes of iconic sitcom return and admits 'I don’t know how much longer I have in this business'

A star of a beloved classic sitcom has spoken about the likelihood of the show returning - and it’s not good news for fans.

‘Birds of a Feather’ was a huge hit with viewers when it originally aired on BBC One from 1989 to 1998. It was so well loved, ITV revived the show and further episodes aired 16 years later, with the second outing being broadcast from 2014 to 2020.

The show starred Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph as the lead characters; sisters and roommates Sharon Theodopolopodous and Tracey Stubbs and their next door neighbour Dorien Green.

Despite hopes that the hugely popular show could get a third outing, it seems that Joseph has ruled out returning to the role of Dorien.

Speaking to The Mirror, 78-year-old Joseph, who will turn 80 next year, said: "I don’t think [I'll return], no. At my age, I don’t know how much longer I have in this business”, but to reassure fans she had no intention of giving up acting any time soon she added: "I’m fit as a flea but there are a few other things I’d like to do before I retire."

At its height, the show pulled in audiences of up to 20 million per episode. In June 2022 Robson stated that a further reunion special had been discussed and that it was up to ITV to make a decision, giving fans hope that their favourite show may soon be on air again - but, two years later, it seems Joseph has dashed those hopes once and for all.

TV icon Joseph, who has had a career spanning more 60 years, admitted she has become insecure about her age in more recent years. She said: “The older I get, the more frightened I become of forgetting my lines and making a fool of myself in front of an audience. I think I’ll know when the time is right for me to retire, but it’s not today."

Joseph has every reason to be optimistic about her future. Her mother Rebecca lived to be 103-years-old before she died in March 2016, and in the interview she also said she keeps her brain “active” by continuing to work and exercising.

Lesley has not only had success on TV including ‘Birds of a Feather’, she’s also enjoyed a stage career. She’s currently appearing in the West End stage production of ‘Sister Act’, where she is playing Sister Mary Lazarus until June 8 - a role she first took up in 2022.

Although Joseph’s career is varied, she said she still thinks fondly about her time playing glamorous Dorien, known for wearing provocative clothing and her affairs with younger men. She has kept almost all of Dorien’s costumes and accessories from the show, including handbags. She explained: “I’m never going to get rid of them. Why should I? I’m officially a fashion hoarder. Dorien Green had these high heels, the terrible short skirts and the massive hair with all that jewellery. She instantly became this huge icon.”