A shopping scam and a lock-up in a church crypt are just two of the plot lines that are sure to provide plenty of laughs as Birds Of A Feather returns for another vintage Christmas special this week. 

And the sitcom’s three stars – Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph – hope fans will love the hilarious twists packed into the one-off episode, which they describe as pure comedy gold. 

“This is classic Birds Of A Feather,” explains Pauline, 58.

“We went abroad for the last Christmas special, but for this one we’re at home and it’s very traditional. There’s been so much laughter on set; we don’t stop laughing! We’ve loved filming it.”

“It’s a good old-fashioned Birds episode,” adds Linda, 59.

“Tracey is thinking of downsizing the house to give the boys some money as they are struggling. Sharon and Dorien are obviously not happy about it because it would make them homeless. 

“Sharon, meanwhile, gets involved in some gadgets and Dorien receives a letter that she decides to look into. But the best part about it all is we get locked up in a crypt! We’re all really pleased with the episode.”

For Lesley, the fact that Birds is still at the heart of the TV schedule 28 years after the first episode aired is an honour and something she is proud of. So why does she think it still strikes a chord with viewers three decades later? 

“I think it’s because you don’t just see Sharon, Tracey and Dorien – you see us. You know it’s not a fake friendship. It is real. It carries on over into the show,” explains the 72-year-old actress.

And as Christmas fast approaches, all three actresses say it’s the one time of the year they all cherish so much. Pauline, Lesley and Linda enjoy an annual lunch together to exchange presents – something they’ve been doing since they began working with each other in 1989.

“We are meeting very soon,” reveals Linda.

“I love Christmas and seeing all the trees and decorations. It always makes me feel festive. I buy Pauline and Lesley the same thing – a centrepiece for their table. Normally they get me something to do with birds! It’s really lovely catching up.”

Lesley is flat out performing in the West End production of Young Frankenstein at the moment and says she can’t wait for a three-day break over Christmas.

“But I’ve loved doing Frankenstein,” she adds.

“It’s so special.”

Linda’s looking forward to spending more time with her family, especially as she has decided for the first time in recent years not to star in panto. 

“I’ve been really busy with Loose Women,” adds Linda.

“I am having a year off from pantomime. My daughter had her second daughter this time last year and I just want to be with them this Christmas. I’ll be doing the cooking!”

Pauline recently became a grandmother for the second time. The joy of grandchildren has, she reveals, made her realise what she values in life and she’s had a break from TV. 

“Birds is my first piece of TV work since last Christmas,” she confides.

“I don’t want to do it all the time any more. My beautiful grandchildren are keeping me busy.”

As for New Year’s resolutions, Pauline stresses it will be “more of the same” as she takes an active role in the lives of her grandchildren. Linda says she hopes to stick to her healthy regime that’s seen her lose two stone this year, after cutting out alcohol and sugar.

“I do feel fitter for it,” she adds.

“This year has been a great one, and what’s so lovely is that Birds is still loved.”

“It’s extraordinary,” agrees Lesley.

“We still have the same writers and you think, ‘Goodness, will they be able to think up any more storylines? And of course, they always do.  

“I do hope it puts a smile on people’s faces. It’s a feel-good programme and it’s wonderful they are putting it on around Christmas."

Birds Of a Feather, Monday, 9pm, ITV