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Channel 5 is looking back at some of the most unforgettable moments from the enduring sitcom Birds of a Feather.

Cast members of the beloved comedy have offered some revelations about their experience on the programme.

The show initially premiered on the BBC in 1989 and ran for nine years before concluding in 1998.

It chronicled the story of sisters Sharon (Pauline Quirke) and Tracey (Linda Robson), whose worlds are transformed when their husbands are imprisoned for armed robbery.

As they adjust to a different way of life, they frequently seek counsel from their pretentious neighbour Dorien Green (Lesley Joseph).

While the series was brought back by ITV in 2014, it concluded once more in 2020 following a Christmas special.

We're examining where the original cast of Birds of a Feather are now 36 years following the debut episode.

Linda Robson

Following her role in Birds of a Feather, the actress became a regular panellist on Loose Women, where she frequently provides updates on her personal life, including her recent separation from long-term partner Mark Dunford.

Throughout the years, Linda has been candid about her battles with alcohol dependency, mental health challenges, and was placed on "suicide watch" by her relatives, reports The Mirror.

Linda revealed how she progressed from enjoying a glass of wine nightly to consuming a bottle each evening approaching her 60th birthday.

In her memoir's extract featured in the Daily Mail, Linda disclosed: "I hated myself. I told myself I was just a burden to Mark and the kids and that I was ruining all their lives.

"I couldn't even be trusted with my own grandchildren. That's when I started to think I'd be better off dead. At least without me around they'd be able to get on with their lives and wouldn't have to worry about who was going to be looking after me.

"I told the Nightingale staff I wanted to kill myself and I was immediately put on suicide watch with someone sitting outside my bedroom door the whole time."

Following treatment at The Priory - a renowned rehabilitation facility for individuals struggling with addictions, Linda has since maintained her sobriety, disclosing in 2024 that she hasn't consumed any alcohol since.

Declaring she's "never tempted" to drink, Linda added in her memoir: "There's no going back now. I'm doing really well."

Following her stint on the BBC sitcom, Pauline subsequently portrayed Hazel Rhodes in ITV's Emmerdale between 2010 and 2012. She also appeared as Susan Wright in the crime drama Broadchurch.

In 2021, it was confirmed that Pauline had stepped away from acting following a dementia diagnosis, though this wasn't made public until 2025 by her husband.

At the time, he issued a statement declaring: "We are deeply grateful for the support of her peers, the public and the dedicated staff and Principals at PQA [Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts].

"We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period. Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren." Last year, her husband Steve Sheen informed BBC Breakfast they originally attributed her symptoms to 'long covid'.

Their son Charlie revealed to the broadcaster: "Our mum knows exactly who we are, every time she sees all of us, she smiles, she laughs, she says hello.

"She's good - my mum has always been my best friend, and her condition has not changed that."

Alun portrayed the character of Darryl Stubbs in Birds of a Feather before being succeeded by Douglas McFerran in series seven.

The actor chose to depart the programme to explore alternative acting opportunities.

He featured as in from August 1993 until December 1998, when his character suffered a fatal conclusion. Throughout his tenure on the ITV soap, Alun performed as part of the rock group, The Woolpackers, alongside his colleagues Steve Halliwell and Billy Hartman.

It appears acting is hereditary in the family, as Alun's daughter, Amelia Warner featured in productions including Lorna Doone and Quills.

Alun has gained two A-list son-in-laws throughout the years as Amelia was temporarily married to Colin Farrell before they separated in 2001.

Nine years subsequently, she encountered actor Jamie Dornan and married in 2013.

Following Birds of a Feather, Lesley proceeded to feature in Night and Day and The Secret of Eel Island, though she has made numerous appearances as herself.

In 2022, she secured victory with her former Birds of a Feather colleague Linda Robson. She additionally participated with Anton Du Beke in Strictly Come Dancing in 2016.

In addition to her television career, Lesley has been active in theatre, recently performing as Grandma in The Addams Family. However, the actress admitted that she doesn't expect her showbiz career to endure indefinitely.

During a candid conversation with Woman's Own magazine last year, the 80-year-old expressed: "At my age, I don't know how much longer I have left in the business.

Despite this, it appears Lesley has no intention of slowing down, as she further stated: "I'm still ambitious, but I know my time is limited."

Peter Polycarpou featured in the sitcom as Sharon's husband Chris for five series, a role initially portrayed by David Cardy in the original 1989 launch.

Post-sitcom, Peter has appeared in BBC's Hustle, Grantchester, Riviera and Netflix's Kaos.

However, his career has predominantly been on stage. The actor was an original cast member and is a two-time Olivier Award nominee.

In 2019, he assumed the role of Sancho in Man of La Mancha for English National Opera alongside Kelsey Grammar and Nicholas Lyndhurst.

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.