Latest news with #BirdsOfAFeather
Forbes
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Billie Eilish's Global Smash Reaches Its First Year On The Charts
Billie Eilish's 'Birds of a Feather' hits 52 weeks on the U.K.'s Official Singles chart, becoming ... More her second track to achieve the year-long milestone. INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 21: Billie Eilish performs onstage during the HIT ME HARD AND SOFT: THE TOUR at The Kia Forum on December 21, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo byfor Live Nation Entertainment) Billie Eilish is in the middle of an exciting week on the music charts in the United Kingdom. She sees multiple titles reach a mark that's especially meaningful as her latest full-length turns one year old. The breakout track from Hit Me Hard and Soft, "Birds of a Feather," continues to soar alongside the full-length that produced it, as they share in the glory this frame. As of this frame, "Birds of a Feather" has spent a full year on the Official Singles chart. It's not terribly common for any track to rack up 52 stays on the ranking of the most consumed songs throughout the U.K., and it's quite the achievement for any musician to see even one cut make it to that milestone. At the moment, "Birds of a Feather" drops slightly from No. 35 to No. 37 on the Official Singles chart. It never quite made it to the top spot, but it did peak at No. 2, becoming one of Eilish's highest-rising successes in the country. "Birds of a Feather" is Eilish's second smash to rack up a full year on the Official Singles chart. It joins only "Bad Guy," which has long stood as not just Eilish's star-making track, but also her longest-running success in the U.K. That tune held on for a total of 68 frames during its heyday. Another tune taken from Hit Me Hard and Soft stands out as Eilish's third-longest-running success on the Official Singles chart in the U.K. "Wildflower" sits just 10 stays behind "Birds of a Feather," with 42 weeks on the tally. It too is still present, but it might not hold on for much longer. This time around, it drops from No. 89 to No. 96 on the 100-spot roster, so it seems like it will vanish sometime soon, and it may not have a real shot at reaching the one-year landmark. "Birds of a Feather" doesn't just reach a full year on the Official Singles chart — it also hits that same number on the other three U.K.-based rankings on which it currently appears. The tune drops on both the Official Singles Sales and Official Singles Downloads lists, but manages to step up one spot on the Official Streaming ranking. On that tally, it nearly returns to the top 10 but stalls at No. 11.
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Linda Robson admits feeling 'envious' of Pauline Quirke's career success
Linda Robson has opened up on her feelings towards her Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline Quirke, admitting that she was 'envious' of the roles that she landed away from the sitcom Loose Women star Linda Robson has confessed to feeling "envious" of her Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline Quirke's "amazing roles". The pair, who became household names as the Birds of a Feather duo, actually met much earlier at the tender age of 10 while at school. Their friendship blossomed through their teenage years, with both attending drama club and eventually starring in their own BBC show which debuted in 1989. After sharing the screen for an impressive 25 years, with a hiatus in between, Linda has candidly spoken about her thoughts on Pauline's significant achievements outside of their joint work. During a recent Loose Women podcast episode, when Jane Moore posed a question about potential career envy, Linda responded: "I won't say that I felt jealous of her success, but sometimes I thought I'd love to have a part like that because she's done some amazing things in the past like Broadchurch and lots and lots of different things", reports Bristol Live. She continued: "So I've never been jealous of it, but I've just often thought that I would have loved that part myself, and I've even told her that as well." To clarify her feelings, she explained: "Envious rather than jealous. I don't want her to do something that goes wrong either, whatever happened, I'd be there to help her." Despite having both featured in all 12 series of Birds of a Feather, it was revealed that Pauline would not join the cast for the 2020 Christmas Special. Linda recounted to Mail+ last year how Pauline expressed at the time: "'I don't want to act any more', she said," adding that the former co-star also conveyed: "'It's not Birds Of A Feather itself, it's everything. I feel like I'm done with it. I feel bad for you two, but you can go on without me'." Beyond Birds of a Feather, Pauline has carved out a remarkable acting career, gracing several of the UK's most popular TV shows. Her standout performance came as Hazel Rhodes in Emmerdale, a role she held from 2010 to 2012, featuring intense plots such as her on-screen son Jackson Walsh's assisted suicide saga, resulting in her character and his partner Aaron Dingle, portrayed by Danny Miller, being implicated in his death. Pauline has also brought her talents to an array of other beloved British television series, including Broadchurch, Skins, and Cold Blood. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Linda Robson gives heartbreaking health update on best pal Pauline Quirke amid her dementia diagnosis
Linda Robson shared a heartbreaking health update on Friday on her best friend Pauline Quirke amid her dementia diagnosis. Pauline, 65, was diagnosed with dementia in 2021, but the illness only became public knowledge when her husband Steve Sheen made an announcement in January this year. Linda, 66, who has been friends with her Birds Of A Feather co-star since they were in primary school together, has revealed that Pauline has been having 'up days' recently and has even been asking after her. Speaking on the Loose Women Podcast, in collaboration with Mecca Bingo, Linda told Jane Moore that she recently had a call from Pauline's son Charlie. She said: 'Charlie rang me and said she's doing really really well at the moment. Sometimes she has down days, but at the moment she's quite up about everything. 'They said they got really excited when she said "where's my mate Linda Robson?" I got quite emotional when he told me. '[We've known each other] since we were 10 years old. She's always been an amazing actress and my best friend. 'Amazing things happened to us. When Birds Of A Feather came out we started getting invited to everything. We got VIP tickets for Stringfellas and all these different places, we couldn't believe our luck.' Back in February, Maurice Gran, co-writer of Birds of a Feather, explained Pauline was experiencing trouble recognising her own family members. He said: 'Since the diagnosis, her condition has gathered pace. 'She's still only 65 so your heart goes out to her. Initially, she felt she was beginning to lose her grip. Now, we understand she struggles to identify members of her own family.' It comes after Linda opened up about the moment she realised that close friend Pauline 'wasn't right'. Linda told Bella Magazine: 'I hadn't spoken to her for a little while and I kept wondering why she hadn't returned my calls. 'Eventually, Steve phoned me back. Lesley [Joseph] and I went for lunch with her and that's when we realised something wasn't right with her, and that was three years ago.' Linda found the news hard, but respected the family's privacy and kept the diagnosis confidential. She said: 'I've known for the last three years that she wasn't well. I managed to keep it a secret. It was very important that I did, because it was up to her family when it was time for them to let everyone know.' The Loose Women star heartbreakingly revealed that Pauline, her friend of over 50 years, no longer recognises her or speaks much during their FaceTime calls. Last month, Linda told MailOnline: 'I've been FaceTiming. There's not much conversation but it's just nice to see her face really.' Linda also discussed the warm reaction she has had from people who speak to her about Pauline, saying: 'Yeah people do say, sorry to hear about your friend.' Revealing her plans to see her soon, she said: 'She's in the best place and she's got family looking after her. Hopefully I'm going to go and see her next week.' It was reported last month that Pauline can no longer recognise family amid her devastating battle with dementia. Her husband Steve Sheen announced in a statement last month that she would be ' stepping away from all commercial and professional duties' after living with the disease for four years. Pauline starred on Birds Of A Feather alongside Linda and Lesley Joseph from 1988 to 1999, and in a revival from 2014-2017. As well as her role in the comedy Birds Of A Feather, Pauline also had roles in Emmerdale, Broadchurch and a BAFTA-nominated performance in The Sculptress. In a statement revealing Pauline's diagnosis for the first time, her husband Steve said: 'It is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife Pauline's decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of Dementia in 2021. 'Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours and as the founder of the very successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA). 'Her talent, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young peoples' progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence. 'Pauline is perhaps best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous from Birds of a Feather, the hilarious sitcom that ran for nearly 30 years. 'Her talent, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young peoples' progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence. 'Pauline is perhaps best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous from Birds of a Feather, the hilarious sitcom that ran for nearly 30 years. 'In drama, her BAFTA-nominated role in The Sculptress, was outstanding, as was her role as the mysterious Susan Wright in ITV's Broadchurch. 'Demonstrating her acting versatility, she also starred or appeared in more than 60 TV and film productions, including Carrie's War, North and South, Casualty, Cold Blood, Thieving Headmistress, My Family, You, Me and the Apocalypse, and of course Emmerdale.' He continued: 'During her epic 50 year career, Pauline has been nominated for many awards, including Best TV Comedy Actress in the British Comedy Awards, Best Newcomer in the British Soap Awards and has received multiple nominations for Most Popular Actress and Most Popular Comedy Performer in the National Television Awards. 'In 2022, Pauline was awarded an MBE in the late Queen's final Birthday Honours. It was a heartfelt recognition of her incredible work with young people, her contributions to entertainment, and her dedication to charitable causes. 'Her acting career has now come to a close, but Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), with its network of approximately 250 academies and over 15,000 students across the UK, remains robust and will continue to operate as normal in accordance with Pauline's ideology. 'Our experienced senior leadership team will maintain the Academies' success and growth, building on the foundations, ethos and philosophy that Pauline has inspired from the beginning in 2007. 'We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period. 'For the time being we will not be engaging in interviews or making further statements, since Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren. 'We are deeply grateful for the support from her peers, the public, and the dedicated staff and Principals at PQA.' What is dementia? Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, that is, conditions affecting the brain. There are many different types of dementia, of which Alzheimer's disease is the most common. Some people may have a combination of types of dementia. Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience their dementia in their own unique way. Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age. How many people are affected? Alzheimer's Research UK reports there are more than 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today. It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2025 will rise to over 1 million. In the US, it's estimated there are 5.5 million sufferers. A similar percentage rise is expected in the coming years. As a person's age increases, so does the risk of them developing dementia. Rates of diagnosis are improving but many people with dementia are thought to still be undiagnosed. Is there a cure? Currently there is no cure for dementia but new drugs can slow down its progression and the earlier it is spotted the more effective treatments are.
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Birds Of A Feather star Lesley Joseph recalls her meeting with the late Pope Francis that left both of them 'falling about laughing'
Birds Of A Feather star Lesley Joseph treasures a fond memory of her one encounter with the late Pope Francis. The actress met the late Pontiff when taking part in 2019 BBC series Pilgrimage: The Road To Rome. Granted an audience with the Pontiff during filming, Lesley proudly recalled Francis telling her: 'You don't look 72.' Later receiving a parting embrace and kiss on the cheek from the Pope at the end of his audience, Lesley added: 'He burst out laughing and said, "You still don't look 72"!'. At which point I put my arm on his arm and said, "Oh, bless you!" Everybody fell about. "I can't believe you've just blessed the Pope."' Celebrities have publicly paid tribute to Pope Francis after the Vatican announced his death on Easter Monday aged 88. The pontiff, who dedicated his 'entire life' to serving God and the Church, was remembered on social media by celebrities of all ages and religions. Among them was Whoopi Goldberg, 69, who recalled a past meeting Pope Francis. Alongside an image of the pair, the Sister Act star wrote: 'He was the closest in a long time that seemed to remember that Christ's love enveloped believer and none believer. 'He felt more like Pope John the 23rd who made belief real. Sail on Pope Frances with your love of humanity & Laughter.' Antonio Banderas, who previously described himself as an agnostic in 2006 but said he has a close affinity with Catholic spirituality, also reflected on his time with the Pope. The Spanish actor, 64, shared a picture from his meeting with the pontiff in 2016 and wrote: 'Pope Francisco has died — a man who, at the head of the Catholic Church, showed kindness, love, and mercy to the neediest people. @franciscus #RIP #DEP'. Eva Longoria - who met the pope in 2016 - also paid tribute, writing:' Rest in Peace, Your Holiness Pope Francis. Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized. Antonio Banderas, who previously described himself as an agnostic in 2006 but said he has a close affinity with Catholic spirituality, recalled a meeting with the pontiff Eva Longoria - who met the pope in 2016 - also paid tribute, writing:' Thank you for being an ally to many of us and speaking up for the marginalized' 'Your compassion, kindness and humility will always be remembered.' Church of England priest, Revered Richard Coles, was quick to pay tribute to the head of the Catholic Church, sharing a throwback snap of the pontiff. The British reverend tweeted: 'Into your hands, O merciful Saviour, we commend your servant Jorge, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. 'Receive him into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen. #PopeFrancis.' Livia Firth penned: 'No matter the religion, he was a giant of a man - for love, for justice, for peace. No matter his position and the constraints that came with it, he tried. 'I loved his humanity and some of his work (the 'Laudato Si', on care for our common home' is so beautiful) 'Your voice will be missed in the world Jorge Mario Bergoglio.' Church of England priest, Revered Richard Coles, was quick to pay tribute to the head of the Catholic Church, sharing a throwback snap of the pontiff King Charles paid tribute to the Pope's 'compassion' and 'devotion' to the church Sarah Ferguson wrote: 'No better example of total humility in kindness and compassion. Thank you for leading us not just with words, but with your unwavering service to humanity' Boxer Frank Bruno paid his respects, writing: 'Morning for those not heard His Holiness the Pope has passed away. 'I am not very religious but was married in a Catholic church. May he rest in peace #rip #morning #monday.' King Charles also paid tribute to Pope Francis, saying he was 'deeply saddened' to learn of the Pope's passing. He said Francis, who was the first Latin American pope, would be 'remembered for his compassion' and had 'profoundly touched the lives of so many'. Pope Francis's death came just weeks after King Charles and Queen Camilla met His Eminence in Rome during a royal visit to Italy, with His Majesty saying the couple were 'greatly moved to have been able to visit him'. The Pontiff had spent the last couple of months battling health problems, including a bout of pneumonia which left him hospitalised. He had recovered enough to hold a private audience with the pair on April 9, and he had been seen at public events over the Easter weekend, while also meeting US Vice President JD Vance in recent days. However, it was announced early on Easter Monday that he had passed away, sending more than a billion Catholics worldwide into mourning.
The Independent
27-01-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Linda Robson ‘heartbroken' by co-star Pauline Quirke's dementia diagnosis
Linda Robson says the dementia diagnosis of her Birds Of A Feather co-star Pauline Quirke 'breaks my heart'. They have worked together from almost the beginning of their careers decades ago, but are best known as the combative sisters whose husbands go to jail in the sitcom which began on the BBC in 1989. Last week, Quirke's husband Steve Sheen said she will retire from 'all professional and commercial duties' and revealed her condition, which he said was diagnosed in 2021. Loose Women star Robson, 66, wrote on Instagram: 'This will be the only time I speak on behalf of my best friend, Pauline. 'For the past three years, I've been in close contact with her husband, Steve, and have spent time with Pauline. 'It breaks my heart to see her endure such a terrible illness. Out of respect for her family and her privacy, I will not be discussing this matter further.' Quirke, 65, and Robson were in the slapstick film Junket 89, and the series You Must Be Joking! during the 1970s, and later in the 1980s Shine On Harvey Moon. Robson also appeared in Quirke's chat show Pauline's Quirkes, which she began presenting as a teenager. Birds of A Feather, with a cast including Lesley Joseph playing the snobbish and flirty Dorien Green, was off air between 1998 and 2014 before being revived for a full series on ITV. It continued until 2016 and then enjoyed Christmas specials, including one in 2020 where Quirke was absent.
