Pauline Quirke and Lesley Joseph have paid tribute to their 'Birds of a Feather' co-star Linda Robson in celebration of her 60th birthday and 50 years in showbiz.
Pauline Quirke, Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson
The 59-year-old actress - who will reach the milestone on March 13 - was reduced to tears when she arrived at the 'Loose Women' studio today (09.03.18) to find out that the bosses and panel - including Andrea McLean, Stacey Solomon and Jane Moore - had arranged a few surprises to mark her special birthday.
Not long after she claimed her seat on the panel, the studio went to her best friend Pauline - who was in Lanzarote, Spain - via video link.
The 58-year old actress said: "We've been friends for 55 years, which is amazing because I'm only 38. Are you having a good time, love? I'll see you when I get back but I have arranged something very very special for you. It's party time but I don't think you'll be able to party without a cake so I've got something sorted for you."
The camera then panned to the back of the audience as a huge cake was wheeled in and her other co-star burst out of the top dressed in a skimpy red frock.
The 72-year-old actress quipped: "Do you know what, I won't not appear dressed like this for anybody but you. My first memory of Linda was going to the Ritz to meet Pauline and her. Pauline was wearing trainers and asked for water in her champagne. And I was terrified because you'd known each other all your lives and I was coming in but from that day on wards, we've got on like a house on fire. And the one thing that keeps this show going is the chemistry and for some reason it was made. This is the only woman I know who sat tweeting at an airport for three hours when we were doing a show up in Newcastle and she missed the show because she was so busy tweeting. Honestly, she had to go all the way to Edinburgh and pay £400 to come down. And the show was over and your under study went on."
Linda added: "I just think we have all been through so much together; births, funerals, weddings, and we've been there for each other."
Lesley concluded: "I'd also like to say. Happy 50 years in showbuisness. I can't believe that number. This is a brilliant actress ladies and gentlemen, don't think it's just Tracy, she's a brilliant actress - there's a lot of drama in this one. Just like in me."
Martin Kemp, Christopher Biggins, Brooke Kinsella, Joe Swash and his mum Kiffy also arrived at the studio to wish the legendary TV star a happy birthday.
Tagged in Pauline Quirke Linda Robson Lesley Joseph