Lesley Joseph is relieved 'Birds of a Feather' is coming to an end.
Lesley Joseph
The 73-year-old actress - who has been in the role of Dorien Green since the show's launch three decades ago - admitted she's glad the show is being axed by ITV because she didn't wake to play the character "in a Zimmer frame".
Opening up on the channel's decision and referencing how tough it is to fit into her alter ego's skimpy outfits, she - who was amongst the stars stepping out for the press premiere of the 'Only Fools and Horses' musical in London on Tuesday (19.02.19) - is quoted by the Mirror as saying: "I don't think 'Birds' is coming back.
"It's come to an actual end. It is a shame but it's very hard work getting into shape for Dorien."
The sitcom - which also stars Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson - first aired on the BBC from 1989 to 1998, before a three year revival until 2017, when it made the move to ITV.
However, it was revealed earlier this month that the broadcaster was moving away from airing comedy with plans to cancel both 'Birds of a Feather' and 'Benidorm'.
Kevin Lygo, ITV's Director of Television, said: "We had success with 'Birds of a Feather', that was our most successful sitcom in years, but it's come to a sort of natural end."
With 'Bad Move' - starring Jack Dee and Seann Walsh - also getting axed, Lygo suggested the future of scripted comedy is bleak.
He added: "We had two series of the Jack Dee sitcom but I don't think we're continuing with it now. It's just very, very hard.
"Audiences can get their fix of character-based comedy from 'Coronation Street.' "
The decision has been met with some criticism, including from 'Benidorm' actor John Challis - who said the public needed an escape.
He explained: "I don't understand this attitude towards comedy. What other comedy has ITV got at the moment that is so popular?
"It's what people want. they just want to relax, especially in these difficult times - they just want to relax and let it wash over them and have a good laugh.
"I don't know who these people are making these decisions - but where I am - I do a one-man show all over and I go to conventions - all I hear is people who want comedy. They want something they can switch on and think, 'Oh this'll be fun.' "
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