Lesley Joseph unsure 'how much longer I have’ as she addresses Birds Of A Feather return
It's been 35 years since Lesley Joseph first graced the nation's TV screens as Dorien Green - and the Birds of a Feather star has now issued an update over returning to the show.
Lesley Joseph is able to have high hopes about her longevity, as her late mother had lived until just weeks before her 104th birthday. However, the veteran actress, who is soon to turn 80, has revealed she isn't keen on reprising her hugely iconic role as man-eater Dorien Green.
In a statement which will break the hearts of Birds of a Feather fans around Britain, she confessed: "I don’t think [I'll return], no." “At my age, I don’t know how much longer I have in this business," she explained, adding: "I’m fit as a flea but there are a few other things I’d like to do before I retire."
She has fond memories of starring alongside her two sidekicks, Linda Robson (who played Tracey Stubbs) and Pauline Quirke (who played Sharon Theodopolopodous), as the trio once pulled in audiences of up to 20 million per episode. However, the TV legend turned West End star has admitted that she has developed niggling insecurities over her age.
"The older I get, the more frightened I become of forgetting my lines and making a fool of myself in front of an audience," she explained to The Mirror. "I think I’ll know when the time is right for me to retire, but it’s not today."
She added that she has the "energy" of her late mother Rebecca, who survived more than a quarter of a century longer than she has done at her current age. She revealed that she is keeping her brain "active" by remaining in work, while the former Strictly star also has a penchant for exercise and dashes all over London.
READ MORE: Birds of a Feather cast now - From feuds, breakdowns, money woes and tragedy [INSIGHT]
All of that bodes well for Lesley's career to continue, but she is keen to pursue new projects instead of looking back to her Birds of a Feather character.
Lesley recently hit the West End to play the character of Sister Mary in Sister Act, alongside a star-studded list of fellow celebrities including soul singer Beverly Knight and X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.
Prior to that, she'd also appeared as the Grandmother for a musical premiere of The Addams Family In Concert.
In spite of her career now taking her in a different direction, Lesley admits that she still has huge nostalgia about her former TV role.
Don't miss...
Lesley Joseph's Birds of a Feather was hit with complaints after first episode [INSIGHT]
Strictly's Layton Williams defended by Lesley Joseph in dance experience row [STRICTLY]
Lesley Joseph issues stern warning to Strictly Come Dancing star [WARNING]
She has disclosed that she's kept almost all of Dorien's costumes and accessories from the show, including handbags - and she's vowed to "never" get rid of them.
"Why should I? I’m officially a fashion hoarder!" She declared defiantly.
Lesley reminisced about the "terrible" short skirts for which her character was renowned, as well as her "massive" hair and penchant for dramatic jewellery - and those memories will no doubt remain with her forever.
Lesley Joseph will discuss puffins in her Coastal Chronicle on this morning's episode of Love Your Weekend With Alan Titchmarsh, which airs at 9.30am on ITV.
