ON THE COVER Birds Of A Feather
The Birds of a Feather girls flock together for a feelgood special that’s full of laughs
She is one of the most hard working and prolific TV actresses but this year, Pauline Quirke decided to take a well-deserved year off to spend with her new grandchildren – and she’s loved every minute of it.
Sounding relaxed and incredibly happy, the 58-year-old reveals she has had no regrets about turning her back on the TV limelight to devote her time to her two granddaughters.
“I said I was going to have a break last Christmas and true to my word, I have,” she confides. “I don’t want to do acting all the time any more. I’ve had a lovely time with my beautiful grandchildren and they keep me busy.
“I love watching and being with them. The youngest is seven and a half months, the oldest two and a half years.”
She says her return to star alongside her best friends, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph, in the Birds festive special is the first time she’s acted this year.
Pauline’s character, Sharon, will be up to her old tricks of ducking and dealing.
“She has another scam going,” explains the likeable actress. “She goes around the department stores with one of those pens where you can put your name and address on. If they do get stolen, the police phone Sharon and she gets the goods! It’s been so much fun filming this. We laugh so much!”
It comes as no surprise that Pauline will be spending the festive season with her growing family. “We are going to be at home for Christmas,” she reveals. “I love this time of the year and now we have got the two girls, I am seeing it through their eyes. I love it.”
And will she be making any New Year resolutions? “No – I’d like more of the same, spending time with my lovely family,” she replies. “That makes me so happy.”