The cast of Birds of a Feather have killed off rumours that they cannot stand each other – by posing for a beaming selfie following a luxury lunch together.
For months there has been speculation that 62-year-old Pauline Quirke had suffered a irreparable fallout with long-term co-star and friend Linda Robson, 64 – with Lesley Joseph, 76, subsequently clashing with the star.
The rumours of a bitter feud were supported by the fact that Pauline – who played Sharon Theodopolopodous on the long-running ITV comedy series – quit Birds of a Feather in 2017, leaving Linda and Leslie to carry the show without her.
But the trio flocked together for lunch and a catch up at luxury brasserie The Delaunay in Central London on Tuesday afternoon – proving they are still firm friends.
Linda commemorated the moment by sharing a snap of herself alongside Pauline and Lesley after they enjoyed their midday meal
She captioned the moment: “A lovely lunch with my beautiful friends in the @thedelaunay” – while adding a magic sparkles emoji.
The photo showed all three ladies flashing convincing smiles as they huddled together – with Lesley draping her arms around her co-stars as she posed between them both.
Last year Linda – who has played Tracey Stubbs since the show began in 1989 – was forced to deny that she had fallen out with Pauline.
Fans were concerned when the series returned for a final season in 2020 without the iconic co star – and with Linda and Lesley, who has played man-eater Dorien Green since the series began, starring on the show without Pauline.
Linda raged to The Sun at the time: “Take no notice of what you’ve heard about me and Pauline falling out. It’s a load of old codswallop.
“Pauline just chose not to do Birds Of A Feather. She wants to concentrate on her acting academy, that’s that.
“We’ve known each other since we were ten. We’re friends. Will Pauline return to the show? I don’t know."
Her rejection of a feud came after allegations were made that Pauline and Lesley came close to blows behind the scenes of the beloved TV show.
A source claimed: “The nadir came during one astonishing row at Teddington Studios, culminating in Pauline and Lesley squaring off, noses centimetres apart, outside the women's loos.
“They were basically pulled apart by stunned crew members… Linda doesn't believe they'll ever speak again.”
Fans have, however, been thrilled to see the ladies looking happy after lunch together this week.
Fellow celebrity Katie Piper commented on the snap on Instagram writing: “Good vibes” and adding a sunglasses wearing face emoji.
While one fan gushed: “Memories of my child hood watching you lovely 3 together.”
And another fan begged: "Just one more episode... it’s been 32 years!!!" alongside a string of praying hands emojis.
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