Latest news with #LesleyJoseph
Edinburgh Live
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Birds of a Feather star claims BBC show 'didn't want me' as she details brutal snub
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Birds of a Feather legend Lesley Joseph has claimed she was snubbed by a major BBC show when she expressed interest in participating. Known for her role as Dorien Green in the beloved sitcom, and her stint on Strictly Come Dancing, Lesley shared this revelation during a recent interview in which she discussed potential reality TV appearances. When quizzed about whether she would consider I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, the 79-year-old actress dismissed the idea of entering the Jungle merely to boost her profile, and instead named other types of shows she might be interested in. It also prompted her to share a tidbit about another hugely popular reality show on the BBC. Lesley apparently expressed an interest in the series, but she was ultimately turned down. (Image: BBC / Studio Lambert) Speaking to Bella magazine, Lesley said: "I don't particularly want to go into the Jungle just as a way to get my name back up there. I think some reality television can be very amusing and interesting - for example, Strictly and Dancing on Ice, when you've got people who are learning skills and entertaining. "Reality TV is slicing into drama, and I do think it's a very slippery slope if we go completely down that road. I wanted to take part in The Traitors, but they didn't want me." Hosted by Claudia Winkleman, The Traitors invites 22 strangers into a castle in the Scottish Highlands to compete in what the BBC describes as the "ultimate reality game of trust and treachery" for a cash prize of £120k. Launched last year, the programme has become a massive success story, with the broadcaster boasting a devoted viewership. It's been reported that the show's third series captivated an average of 10.3 million viewers across its dozen episodes. The psychological reality show has scooped up numerous accolades, such as the BAFTA TV Award for Best Reality and Constructed Factual and the Broadcasting Press Guild Award for Best Entertainment Programme. (Image: Getty Images for Sentebale) A star-studded special edition of the programme is in the pipeline, featuring a dazzling array of celebrities including the likes of Alan Carr, Charlotte Church, Clare Balding, Stephen Fry, and Paloma Faith. In another recent admission by Lesley, the actress opened up about her future in the entertainment industry. Speaking to Woman's Own, she said: "At my age, I don't know how much longer I have left in the business." She revealed that she's "still ambitious" but conceded that her "time is limited". Meanwhile, she also shared details about how she stays fit, explaining that she "walks everywhere". In addition, she does yoga, ensures she gets enough sleep and takes vitamins. Lesley also detailed how she has "a lot more to offer" and there are roles that she'd like to tackle prior to retirement, adding that she became "frustrated" with the label of "sitcom queen".
Daily Mirror
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Pope Francis kissed me on the cheek – his brilliant response had everyone in stitches'
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, and Lesley Joseph has shared an amusing anecdote about the late pontiff from 2019 when she met him while filming for the BBC's Pilgrimage: The Road To Rome Lesley Joseph has shared a hilarious anecdote about her encounter with Pope Francis, which left everyone in fits of laughter. The Birds of a Feather star, 79, met the late Pope during the filming of BBC's Pilgrimage: The Road To Rome in 2019. She recalled being granted an audience with the Pope, who kindly told her she didn't look her age - then 72. However, after embracing her and planting a kiss on her cheek, the Pope had a five-word response that was followed by much amusement, according to the Mail. Lesley said: "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'." This comes following the sad news of Pope Francis' passing on Easter Monday at the age of 88 due to a cerebral stroke leading to a coma and irreversible heart failure, as reported by the Vatican. The Pope's final testament was also revealed, including his wish to be buried "in the ground, without particular ornamentation" but with "Franciscus" inscribed, according to Sky News. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1936, Pope Francis made history as the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church when he was elected Pope in 2013. The Vatican confirmed that the Pope passed away less than 24 hours after making an appearance in his wheelchair before worshippers in St Peter's Square for his Easter address, according to BBC reports. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, in a statement from the Vatican, said he had "returned to the home of the Father". The statement further read: "He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised." In 2024, Lesley Joseph made a heartbreaking confession about the possibility of reprising her role as Dorien Green on Birds of a Feather, where she starred alongside Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke. The actress, who will be turning 80 in 2025, confessed that she doesn't know "how much longer" she can continue in the industry. Despite being as "fit as a flea," there are a "few other things" she'd like to do before hanging up her acting boots. In a chat with the Mirror, she expressed: "The older I get the more frightened I become of forgetting my lines and making a fool of myself in front of an audience. I think I'll know when the time is right for me to retire, but it's not today." Lesley, whose mother lived to the age of 103, previously shared her thoughts on the secret to ageing, stating in 2019 that it all boils down to exercise. She revealed: "The secret of ageing carefully and properly is exercise, both mental and physical."
