Birds of a Feather is among the UK’s most loved sitcoms, the show consistently attracted a large audience during its time on BBC and during a small stint on ITV. The series features Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson, with Lesley Joseph as the memorable next door neighbour.
In the first episode, sisters Sharon (Linda) and Tracey (Pauline) are brought together when their husbands are sent to prison for armed robbery. Tracey lives a life of luxury in a house in Chigwell called Dalentrace bought by her husband’s criminal activities with her son Garth.
Sharon lives in a run down flat in Edmondton with husband Chris, who she can’t stand because of the way she often treated her and took advantage of her. After both their husbands are sent to prison, Sharon moves in with Tracey to keep her company. The chemistry between Pauline and Linda on-screen made the comedy a huge success from the off.
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The show aired from 1989 until Christmas Eve in December 1998. The show returned in 2014 and attracted almost eight million viewers in the first episode. There was a further Christmas special in 2020, in which Pauline Quirke did not appear due to her decision to take a step back from acting.
Everyone who is a fan of the show will have a favourite character and the ECHO rounded up those who made the most appearances and found out where they are now. Some have stepped back from the limelight completely for different reasons and others are still on our screens everyday.
Pauline Quirke
Pauline Quirke -Credit:Getty Images
Pauline Quirke is famous for starring in TV sitcom Birds of a Feather as Sharon Theodopolopodos, the younger sister of Tracey Stubbs and the ex-wife of Chris Theodopolopodos. This year, she has retired from acting following a dementia diagnosis, her husband has said.
Husband Steve Sheen said: “Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours and as the founder of the very successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).”
He said her drama academy had “touched countless lives and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young peoples’ progression and interest in the arts and enhanced their self-confidence”.
She played the role of Sharon Theodopolopodous on the long-running sitcom, winning a British Comedy Award in 1990 for the role in the show. The actress has impressed in other roles, she was nominated for a BAFTA award for playing convicted murderer Olive Martin in BBC drama The Sculptress, based on Minette Walters’ psychological thriller novel.
Pauline also starred in BBC detective drama Maisie Raine from 1998 to 1999, appeared in ITV’s Broadchurch, and played Hazel Rhodes in Emmerdale from 2010 to 2012. In 2022, she was made an MBE for services to the entertainment industry, young people, and charities.
Linda Robson
Linda Robson -Credit:2025 Jo Hale/Getty Images
Since her time on Birds of a Feather as Tracey Stubbs, Linda Robson has remained a prominent figure in British television. She is on our screens as a panellist for ITV’s Loose Women. She has appeared on the talk show from 2012-2018 and from 2020 until now.
Linda entered Celebrity MasterChef in 2008 and exited in the first round. Other TV appearances have included on Casualty and I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! In 2022, Linda appeared on the seventh series of Celebrity Coach Trip alongside her Birds of a Feather co-star Lesley Joseph.
Birds of a Feather star Linda Robson says the dementia diagnosis of her friend Pauline Quirke “breaks my heart”. She said: “This will be the only time I speak on behalf of my best friend, Pauline. For the past three years, I’ve been in close contact with her husband, Steve, and have spent time with Pauline.
“It breaks my heart to see her endure such a terrible illness. Out of respect for her family and her privacy, I will not be discussing this matter further.”
Lesley Joseph
Lesley Joseph attends the “Fiddler On The Roof” Opening Gala at the Barbican Theatre on June 03, 2025 -Credit:2025 Getty Images
Lesley is best known for playing Dorien Green in Birds of a Feather. It is a role she had from 1989 until 1998 and from 2014 until 2020, after the show made a comeback.
The actress has had a number of stage roles as well as on-screen roles. Her stage roles include UK touring productions of Thoroughly Modern Millie (2005), Calendar Girls (2011) and Annie (2015).
She was nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for the original West End production of Young Frankenstein.
The 79-year-old actress is gearing to take part in the Addams Family musical. During an appearance on BBC Breakfast with co-star Alexandra Burke, who will portray Morticia Addams, presenter Sally Nugent asked about Lesley’s wellbeing.
Lesley explained her situation: “Rehearsing for panto last year with Mr Rinder, Robert Rinder. I tripped over and I had to have an operation. But it’s back to the land of living and I’m able to do it, so I’m really pleased.”
Alun Lewis
Birds of a Feather cast with Darryl Stubbs star Alun Lewis (R) -Credit:BBC
Alun played the role of Darryl Stubbs on BBC1 sitcom Birds of a Feather, from 1989 to 1994. Alun appeared as a recurring character during the nineties run of series, before later being replaced by Douglas McFerran.
The actor is also known for his part in Emmerdale as Vic Windsor, he played the role for five years from 1993 until 1998. Vic was the second husband of shopkeeper, Viv Windsor, and also father of Kelly Windsor and Donna Windsor.
Alun helped Emmerdale band The Woolpackers reach number five on the UK Singles Chart with their track Hillbilly Rock Hillbilly Roll in November 1996.
The 76-year-old has a famous daughter, composer Amelia Warner. She was awarded the International Film Music Critics Association Award in 2018 for Breakthrough Composer of the Year and is married to Fifty Shades star Jamie Dornan.
After his two major roles in Birds of a Feather and Emmerdale, Alun took a step back from the spotlight.
Peter Polycarpou
Birds of a Feather star Peter Polycarpou -Credit:BBC
The English-Cypriot actor played the role of Chris Theodopolopodous in the television comedy series Birds of a Feather. He had the role from 1990 until 1994 and played Sharon’s husband. In recent years, Peter appeared in the biographical drama The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies.
Other television work has included The Bill, Holby City, Casualty and Waking the Dead. In 2006, Peter has a three episode stint on EastEnders as Yannis Pappas, father-in-law of character Carly Wicks.
Peter has played roles in many stage productions throughout his career. In 2019, he played Sancho Panza in Man of La Mancha for English National Opera at the London Coliseum opposite Kelsey Grammer.
The actor has spoken about his career on his website, he said: “Your experience is essential. The more experience you have, the more casting people and directors will see your work. The more people that see you work the more chances you have of being used by employers.”
Matthew Savage
Matthew Savage as Garth Stubbs -Credit:BBC
Matthew made the most appearances as Garth in Birds of a Feather, but has not been the only actor to play the part. Garth Stubbs (nicknamed Garthy by his mum) is the eldest son of Tracey Stubbs and her ex husband Darryl and the older brother of Travis.
Other actors to play Garthy have included Simon Nash and Samuel James. Born in Reading, Matthew has gone on to have a successful music career and currently plays keyboard with Levellers, a folk rock band formed in 1988.
The 52-year-old now lives in Brighton and has two children, a son Leon and a daughter, Poppy, born in 2009.