Channel 5 is revisiting memorable moments from the long-running sitcom Birds of a Feather, which first aired on the BBC in 1989 and ran for nine years before ending in 1998. The show followed sisters Sharon (Pauline Quirke) and Tracey (Linda Robson) after their husbands were jailed for armed robbery, with snobbish neighbour Dorien Green (Lesley Joseph) often involved. ITV revived the series from 2014 until a Christmas special in 2020.
Linda Robson, who played Tracey Stubbs, has since become a regular panellist on Loose Women. She has been open about her struggles with alcohol addiction and mental health. In her memoir, she revealed she was put on suicide watch after telling staff at The Priory she wanted to kill herself. She has remained alcohol-free since 2024, stating she is 'never tempted' to drink again.
Pauline Quirke, who played Sharon Theodopolopodous, appeared in Emmerdale and Broadchurch after the sitcom. In 2021, she retired from acting after being diagnosed with dementia, though this was only publicly announced in 2025 by her husband Steve Sheen. He said the family is grateful for support and requested privacy, adding that Pauline wants to spend time with family.
Alun Lewis, who played Darryl Stubbs until season seven, left the series to pursue other roles. He later starred in Emmerdale from 1993 to 1998 and was a member of the rock band The Woolpackers. His daughter, actress Amelia Warner, was briefly married to Colin Farrell and later married actor Jamie Dornan in 2013.
