Linda Robson has insisted that it was Pauline Quirke's choice not to take part in the most recent Birds of a Feather Christmas special.
The pair have been friends for more than 50 years and have worked together on Birds for three decades, but Quirke sat out of the 2020 special.
Later reports emerged that Robson and Quirke had suffered a massive falling-out behind the scenes, but in a new interview, Robson has asserted that Quirke chose not to be part of the special for work reasons.
"Obviously people miss Pauline, but we have to respect that it was her choice not to do it any more," she told The Express.
"She wants to concentrate on her [acting] academy."
Quirke's character Sharon was said to be 'stuck on a COVID cruise' during the festive special.
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