ITV has announced plans to air a Christmas episode of Birds of a Feather next month, albeit without main star Pauline Quirke.

The broadcaster said that Quirke - part of the comedy since its launch in the 1980s - was too busy with other work commitments to film the special, which will instead focus on Linda Robson's Tracey and Lesley Joseph's Dorien.

Describing the episode, which will also feature Les Dennis as a new love interest for Dorien, ITV said: "It's been three years since we last saw the Birds, after Tracey reluctantly sold the house they all shared to Dorien.

"At the end of a 2020 no-one could have predicted, we catch up with the inhabitants of our favourite Essex address... and find big changes in all their lives.

"Tracey and Dorien have been getting right on each others' thruppennies, while Sharon has escaped to the other side of the world and is stuck on a Covid-cruise... Who can fill the Sharon-shaped hole in their lives this Christmas?"

Joseph said: "I'm so excited to be putting Dorien's high heels back on for a Christmas special of Birds.

"It's been 3 years since viewers last saw us and Dorien's only gone and got herself a new man!

"We all need a laugh right now and I promise this special will deliver the festive goods!"

Robson added: "I'm so happy we have a new Birds adventure. Trace and Dor have been at loggerheads with each other for months, will it be a peaceful Christmas in Essex?!

"The script for this special is brilliant, I promise we'll have lots of laughs for fans of the show."

The episode will also feature a cameo from comedian Curtis Walker and star newcomer Ami Metcalf as a young friend of Tracey.