Birds Of A Feather remains one of the nation’s most beloved TV shows. The sitcom, which has aired on both the BBC and ITV, had 12 seasons and 129 episodes, including a number of Christmas specials. Stars Quirke, Robson and Joseph have always seemed to gush with affection for one another but recent events could suggest otherwise.
It was reported that two of the comedy stars had fallen out after more than 50 years of friendship.
Quirke and Robson were alleged to have had a “huge row” over “real and tense issues”, according to a Mail On Sunday insider.
The friend claimed that Joseph and Robson were “saddened” that their co-star “didn’t want to return to make a 30th anniversary episode” of Birds Of A Feather.
The unnamed source said: “Linda and Pauline used to be very close, less so Pauline and Lesley”.
The insider believed Quirke “resented the attention that Lesley got” from their TV appearances.
They also claimed the “atmosphere on the set had previously become difficult”.
Last weekend, the source added: “It was very tense and difficult to navigate at times.”
After the alleged spat, Quirke didn’t make an appearance on the 2020 Christmas special for Birds Of A Feather.
At the time it was explained that she didn’t feature due to being on a cruise but the source claimed she was “not asked” to join her castmates.
Suggestions of a feud between the stars may come as a shock to fans after Quirke and Robson have regularly boasted about their long lasting friendship.
Quirke and Robson played Sharon Theodopolopodous and Tracey Stubbs in the show, who become close after their husbands were sent to prison for armed robbery.
Joseph’s character Doreen Green was their next door neighbour, a Jewish woman who regularly had affairs with younger men.
Quirke and Robson were 10 years old when they met at primary school and “started taking acting classes together”.
JUST IN: Why has Pauline Quirke fallen out with Linda Robson?
Joseph, who was skimpily dressed in a pink sparkly corset and red feather boa, told Robson she “would not appear dressed like this for anybody but you”.
When asked about her first memory of Quirke and Robson, Joseph recalled going to meet them for the first time at the Ritz, in London.
Quirke was said to be “wearing trainers” and had “asked for water in her champagne”.
Joseph confessed to being “terrified” of the duo because they had such a lengthy friendship.
She said: “I was terrified because you had known each other all your lives and I was coming in.
“But from that day onwards, we have got on like a house on fire.”
She claimed the “one thing” that kept Birds Of A Feather going was “the chemistry” between them.
Joseph added: “For some reason, it was a chemistry made in heaven.”