Lesley Joseph's emotional Linda Robson confession after Birds of Feather 'feud' rumours

The duo both starred on the same show (Image: Getty)

Lesley Joseph has put to bed persistent whispers of any Birds of a Feather squabbles, revealing how she’s been a supportive presence for a fellow actress amidst her divorce proceedings.

Contrary to reports that Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke, who play sisters on the hit sitcom, weren't exactly chummy behind the scenes, this notion was dispelled by Linda in a 2022 chat with the Mirror.

She clarified the situation, stating: "People say Pauline and I have fallen out," and swiftly dismissed the gossip by asserting: "Obviously I couldn't see her during lockdown but I've seen her since."

Lesley, now 79, has weighed in, affirming the bond between the trio is as strong as ever. Although she acknowledges seeing Linda more frequently than Pauline—attributing it to geography rather than personal preference—she elaborated on their shared experience: "The three of us went through 30 years together," when reflecting on their shared journey on Birds of a Feather. "You can't work that long with people and they not be in your life; it's impossible."

Having graced television audiences first on BBC from 1989 to 1998, then on ITV from 2014 to 2020, Birds of a Feather remains a much-loved series among fans. Lesley expressed a longing to return as the voracious Dorien, albeit recognising that "Pauline has given up acting really, she just wants to run her drama schools".

Lesley has put to bed rumours of a feud between her and co-star Linda (Image: Getty)

Fans of Birds of a Feather might witness Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph team up onscreen once more, as Lesley is eager to accompany her friend through her new single life with some wild escapades around the world, all caught on film for fans to enjoy.

Last year, Linda revealed she and her husband Mark Dunford were separating after 33 years together. Speaking candidly, she shared on Loose Women: "He's [Mark] a really good dad and we had some good years, but enough is enough," meanwhile highlighting her strong support network: "I've got my family and my kids around me. And I'm going on a cruise with Lesley Joseph in November. I'm keeping busy. I feel fine. I'm just going away on trips all the time."

Lesley, Linda’s companion on her cruise, is already plotting further travels post their November adventure, excitedly suggesting: "We might do a travel series, visiting different countries and looking at cheap and expensive places. I think people enjoy seeing the two of us together. We row, but it's always put on - we slip into character. I think we could have a huge amount of fun with things to do before you get to 80, or something like that."

In a separate exchange with Woman's Own magazine, Lesley decided not to comment on Linda’s ongoing divorce, emphasising instead her unwavering support: "I won't talk about that, that's for her to talk about, but I am always there for her - friends are," Lesley insisted when queried about how Linda has been coping.

The beloved sitcom features Linda Robson, Pauline Quirke and Lesley Joseph (Image: BBC)

Linda opened up about her marital troubles on Loose Women, sharing a light-hearted moment when she quipped about her ex's lack of attention: "I think if anything changed on my body, my husband wouldn't notice, he wouldn't notice if I was on fire."

The ITV panel, which included stars like Ruth Langsford and Brenda Edwards, listened as Linda discussed her health scare following Sarah Ferguson's skin cancer revelation.

In a candid confession to Woman's Own last November, Linda expressed her disinterest in the dating scene post-divorce: "I'm not interested [in dating] honestly. I can't be a***d with all that," she stated firmly.

Her marriage woes had been a topic of conversation before on ITV's daytime show, where Linda didn't shy away from being open about her feelings: "If something's not right in a relationship then I find it very hard to disguise it. And things haven't been right in my relationship for quite a long time so, erm, I've been very honest about it."