Birds of a Feather cast feuds - from backstage fallouts, denials, and rifts

For over 30 years, Birds of a Feather captured the hearts of millions with its unique blend of humour and heartfelt moments, anchored by the dynamic trio of Linda Robson, Pauline Quirke, and Lesley Joseph.

The sitcom, which originally aired in 1989 on the BBC, told the story of two neighbours, Tracey Stubbs and Sharon Theodopolopodous, who are brought together after their husbands are sent to jail.

Adding to the comedic mix was their flirtatious neighbour Dorien Green, played by Joseph.

However, despite the long-standing friendship between the show’s leads, rumours of behind-the-scenes tension have persisted, especially following Pauline Quirke’s absence from key episodes in recent years.

These rumours, primarily fuelled by her decision not to participate in the 2020 Christmas special, suggested that there may have been a falling out between Quirke and Linda Robson, her co-star and childhood friend of more than 50 years.

Pauline’s absence was spotted by fans when her character’s lines were removed from the theme song, and photos of Tracey and Sharon together were omitted from the special.

Fans were quick to speculate that a feud had developed between the former co-stars, leading to a breakdown in their friendship.

The speculation only grew when insiders claimed that “real and tense issues” were the reason Quirke did not return to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Birds of a Feather in 2019​.

According to reports, Quirke’s absence was the result of personal differences, and many fans believed her decision not to return for the 2020 special was indicative of a larger rift with her co-stars.

It was even claimed that there had been tension between Quirke and Joseph, with one insider alleging that “Pauline resented the attention that Lesley got, and it was very tense and difficult to navigate at times”​.

However, Robson has continuously denied these rumours, insisting that her friendship with Pauline has remained solid.

In an interview with The Mirror, she addressed the rumours directly, saying: “People say Pauline and I have fallen out. Obviously, I couldn’t see her during lockdown but I’ve seen her since. She just doesn’t want to act anymore. She’s had enough – it’s long hours. She’s concentrating on her drama academies. She’s very hands-on, going to classes and all that”​

Linda further explained that during the lockdown, both Pauline and Lesley had been incredibly supportive when she was ill. “When I was ill, both Pauline and Lesley rang me, or a member of my family, every couple of days to see how I was. They were both a big support and really there for me,” she added.

On an episode of Loose Women, Linda again poured water on the feud rumours, firmly stating: “It’s a load of old [bleep] that we had a fallout.

We have not fallen out and we have never fallen out. I have been best friends with [Pauline] since we were 10 years of age. We never fell out”​. Linda stressed that while Pauline has chosen to step away from acting, the two remain as close as ever.

The dynamic between the three actresses, particularly when they reunited for the 2014 revival of Birds of a Feather, was one of the “happiest” times for Linda.

She shared on Loose Women: “We had many, many years doing Birds of a Feather, then we had a big break. Then a few years ago, we reunited. It was the happiest time. We'd all been together over 25 years, and it was like we’d never been apart”​

Linda summed up the reunion experience by adding: “You can reunite, and it can work.”