'Birds of a Feather' returning for Christmas special without Pauline Quirke
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Birds of a Feather is returning for a brand new Christmas special after three years off air, however, Pauline Quirke will not be part of the cast.
The actor starred as Sharon Theodopolopodous throughout the show's original run from 1989 to 1998 and subsequent reprisal on ITV between 2014 to 2017 but the character is absent from the special while Quirke focuses on her performing arts academies, according to the broadcaster.
The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts was launched in 2007 and there are now more than 200 of the academies in the UK.
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Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph will be reprising their roles as Tracey Stubbs and Dorien Green as Sharon's absence is explained by having the character stuck on a "COVID-cruise" on the other side of the world.
Les Dennis will feature in the one-off episode as Dorien's new beau Graeme, with actors Curtis Walker and Ami Metcalfe also making an appearance.
Joseph said: “I'm so excited to be putting Dorien's high heels back on for a Christmas special of Birds.
"It's been 3 years since viewers last saw us and Dorien's only gone and got herself a new man! We all need a laugh right now and I promise this special will deliver the festive goods!”
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Meanwhile, Robson added: “I'm so happy we have a new Birds adventure. Trace and Dor have been at loggerheads with each other for months, will it be a peaceful Christmas in Essex?!
"The script for this special is brilliant, I promise we'll have lots of laughs for fans of the show."
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