BOAF: Tracey set to have a cancer scare

Birds of a Feather will pay tribute to the late Lynda Bellingham in an upcoming storyline. Lynda's friend and Loose Women co-host Linda Robson, who plays Tracey in the ITV comedy, asked bosses to give her character a cancer scare.

Radio Times review

After years of Towie brashness, the bawdy Essex humour of Birds of a Feather seems cosy by comparison. Bad puns come with the regularity of a metronome, while the plot signposting is so big it could take your eye out. That said, the on-screen relationships between Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph are as comfortable as a pair of fluffy slippers.

In the first episode of this new series, Dorien is treating Sharon and Tracey to a holiday in the Canary Islands. But before the flight has even taken off, Dorien is in the onboard loo waiting to join the "50ft High Club". The jokes are pretty down to earth, too - assume the brace position throughout.

Birds Of A Feather preview

Will they actually get to the Tenerife or will they remain in Chigwell for Christmas? Well you'll have to tune in to see, but either way, one thing's for sure, it's a very entertaining episode and sets a great tone for the rest of the series.

Samuel James is 'having the best time' on the sitcom

Samuel James will make his debut as Garth Stubbs on Boxing Day and he is loving his time on the show.

The trio take advantage of Dorien's generosity and escape Chigwell for the Canary Islands over the Christmas break. Tracey, a nervous flyer, is so anxious she offers to stay home with Garth and Travis, but Sharon's having none of it. Meanwhile, Dorien is looking for inspiration for her next book, and when she's seated next to a handsome stranger on the plane, seeks to join the 50ft-High Club ("You do it while the plane's still on the ground"). This is comfort telly, broad and silly; ideal for Boxing Day.

Samuel James replaces Matt Willis in Birds of a Feather

Samuel James has joined the cast of Birds of a Feather series two. James replaces Matt Willis in the role of Garth Stubbs after the musician and actor left the show to focus on McBusted commitments.

Birds of a Feather drops but still top on ITV

Birds of a Feather came out on top for its current series finale on Thursday outside of soaps, according to overnight figures, despite a fall in viewers.

Episode review: Birds of a Feather finale

There were concerns about whether Birds of a Feather could make the transition from fuzzy 90s nostalgia to a going concern in 2014. The TV landscape has changed beyond recognition since we left the Birds in a Tipperary stable in 1998, but by both embracing the new whilst staying true to the incredibly successful formula of the original show, the reboot has been a triumph. At the time of going to press, there has just been an announcement of a second series and we've certainly been infinitely grateful for the opportunity to catch up with Sharon, Tracey and Dorien in a show that has extended the legacy of one of TV's most successful and beloved sitcoms.

Birds of a Feather quiz

How well do you think you know sitcom Essex girls Sharon, Tracey and Dorien?

Birds of a Feather, TV review

Cosy, old-fashioned, family-friendly comedy in post-TOWIE Essex.