stardom
Birds of a Feather legend admits she ‘doesn’t know how much longer she has left’ as she issues update on show’s future
She has recently starred in a theatre adaptation of a beloved film
A STAR of classic sitcom Birds of a Feather has shared an update on the likelihood of reprising her role.
Originally on BBC One from 1989 to 1998, the show starred Pauline Quirke, Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson as the lead characters.
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After 16 years, ITV revived the show and further episodes aired from 2014 to 2020.
But in bad news for longtime fans of the sitcom, Lesley has seemingly ruled out returning to the role of Dorien.
Speaking to , Lesley revealed: "I don’t think [I'll return], no." At my age, I don’t know how much longer I have in this business”, adding: "I’m fit as a flea but there are a few other things I’d like to do before I retire."
During her time alongside co-stars Linda (who played Tracey Stubbs) and Pauline (who played Sharon Theodopolopodous), the trio at one point pulled in audiences of up to 20 million per episode.
Read more on Lesley Joseph
However, TV legend Lesley admitted she has developed insecurities concerning her age.
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."
Her mother Rebecca lived to be 103 years old, while Lesley revealed she keeps her brain “active” by remaining in work in addition to exercising.
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Despite the success Birds of a Feather brought to the cast, Lesley is keen to pursue new parts instead of looking back.
This includes making the move to the West End stage in Sister Act, where she is playing Sister Mary Lazarus until June 8.
Piers Morgan pokes fun at Susanna Reid for dressing up as Birds of Feather star Dorien Green in pink leopard print
The original 1992 film starred the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Harvey Keitel and Dame Maggie Smith.
Meanwhile, for the stage version, Lesley is among an all-star cast including soul singer Beverly Knight and X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.
She has also appeared as the Grandmother for a musical premiere of The Addams Family In Concert.
Although Lesley’s career is taking her in a different direction, the actress admitted she still has nostalgia about her time playing Dorien.
This extends to having kept almost all of Dorien’s costumes and accessories from the show, including handbags.
Lesley added: “I’m never going to get rid of them. Why should I? I’m officially a fashion hoarder.
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“Dorien Green had these high heels, the terrible short skirts and the massive hair with all that jewellery.
“She instantly became this huge icon.”
This week on Made in Chelsea…
Friendship dramas, situationships and a tap dancing lesson – it’s safe to say that a lot is going to happen in SW3 this week! We give you the lowdown below of what to expect from the gang…
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With all his friendship drama, Rez decides now is not the right time to give headspace to Ruby and their will-they-won’t-they relationship.
As tension boils between the bros, when their paths do eventually cross in SW3, things are set to be explosive!
But Tristan has bigger issues on his mind after finding out his other pal, Sam Vanderpump, has been wining and dining his girl Muffin (Julia Pollard).
Will the boys ever sort things out? And has Tristan lost Muffin for good?
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Happy with her blossoming romance with Freddy Knatchbull, Jasmine Saunders is not interested in Hugo MacKenzie-Wood and his attempts to win her over again.
However, her bestie Muffin thinks otherwise and encourages Hugo to keep trying his luck with Jazz.
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Now living with three Taylor boys, Maeva is having a tough time. Seeking refuge, she turns to her mother-in-law. Will Mummy Taylor be able to give her some much needed advice – and, more importantly, will Maeva take it?
Passion on tap
Sam Prince is keen to jazz things up and keep things fresh in his relationship with Yasmine Zweegers. So will Yas fall in love all over again when Sam treats her to a tap dancing session?
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