Birds of a Feather star claims BBC show 'didn't want me' as she details brutal snub
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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".
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