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Birds of a Feather actresses Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph are heading back to our television screens after filming a special episode of Channel 5’s hit murder mystery Good Ship Murder.
The pair became household names in the 1990s playing Tracy Stubbs and Dorien Green in the popular sitcom, alongside Linda’s childhood best friend Pauline Quirke, 65, who played her sister Sharon.
Tragically, in January Pauline’s devoted husband Steve Sheen announced that his wife had been diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and would be stepping back from all professional and commercial duties.
So when bosses at Channel 5 approached close friends Linda, 67, and Lesley, 79, to reunite for an episode of Good Ship Murder they both jumped at the chance of reuniting on-screen, even though it was emotional.
A source said: ‘Linda and Lesley flew out to Malta a couple of weeks ago to film their special episode. They had a great time and got a lot of attention from holidaymakers who spotted them filming.
‘Linda and Lesley know how cruel life can be and had a brilliant time back filming together. Of course it was emotional as the last time they’d acted together it was with Pauline on Birds.’
Birds of a Feather actresses Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph are heading back to our television screens
The pair became household names in the 1990s playing Tracy Stubbs and Dorien Green in the popular sitcom Birds of a Feather
The popular sitcom originally ran from 1989 until 1998 on BBC One. It was then brought back by ITV in 2014, and ran for six years, with the final episode airing on Christmas Eve 2020
Back in February Linda, who is a panellist on ITV’s daytime show Loose Women, revealed that her childhood friend no longer recognised her or her children.
She 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 She doesn’t know who anybody is. She doesn’t know who I am or who are kids are. I’ve been Facetiming There’s not much conversation but it’s just nice to see her face really.’
Linda reuniting with Lesley for Good Ship Murder was the the first time they’d acted together since ITV pulled the plug on Birds of a Feather back in 2020.
The popular sitcom originally ran from 1989 until 1998 on BBC One. It was then brought back by ITV in 2014, and ran for six years, with the final episode airing on Christmas Eve 2020.
Good Ship Murder, which stars Shayne Ward, Catherine Tyldesley and Ross Adams, has become a huge hit for Channel 5.
The third series is currently being filmed and will hit our TV screens early next year.
It comes as Pauline can reportedly no longer recognise family amid the beloved actress’ devastating battle with dementia.
Maurice Glen, who co-wrote the sitcom which made Pauline famous alongside pal Linda Robson , 66, revealed her condition had sadly ‘gathered pace’ (top – bottom Linda, Lesley Joseph and Pauline in Birds of A Feather)
Her husband Steve Sheen announced in a statement in January that the the Birds Of A Feather star would be ‘stepping away from all commercial and professional duties’ after living with the disease for four years (pictured together)
Pauline married her husband Steve in 1996, and they share son Charlie, 30, while the actress also has daughter Emily, 40, from a previous relationship (pictured in 2010)
Good Ship Murder, which stars Shayne Ward, Catherine Tyldesley and Ross Adams, has become a huge hit for Channel 5
Her husband Steve Sheen announced in a statement that she had been living with the disease for four years.
Maurice Glen, who co-wrote the Birds of Feather revealed her condition had sadly ‘gathered pace’.
He said: ‘She’s still only 65 so your heart goes out to her. Initially, she felt she was beginning to lose her grip. Now, we understand she struggles to identify members of her own family.’
Pauline married TV producer Steve in 1996, and they share son Charlie, 30, while the actress also has daughter Emily, 40, from a previous relationship.
Maurice said how Lesley, telephoned him shortly before the statement was made public in January.
‘[Lesley asked] if Pauline’s husband, Steve Sheen, had been in touch, I told her no. ‘Well,’ said Lesley, ‘he’s going to go public about Pauline to put a stop to all the speculation’.
Rumours of a rift between Pauline and co-star Linda emerged when Pauline quit Birds Of A Feather in 2017 and her character Sharon Theodopolopodous was absent from the 2020 Christmas special, a year before her diagnosis.
A devastated Maurice, who co-wrote the sitcom with Laurence Marks, said: ‘I’ve always said that Pauline’s talent made our words sound better. It couldn’t be sadder,’
Pauline’s son Charlie said he had been ‘moved’ by the flurry of messages of support he’d received following Pauline’s diagnosis being made public.
Taking to his Instagram Stories to share a snap with his mother as he spoke about the diagnosis for the first time.
He penned in the caption: ‘Hi all, I just wanted to say a massive thank you to all of you for your messages of support, kind words about my beautiful mum and stories you have.
‘We, as a family are very moved and touched by all of them, and they have put a smile on all of our faces. We appreciate each and everyone of you. Thank you.’
