Lesley Joseph has admitted she is jealous that Downton Abbey bagged a cameo from George Clooney and not Birds Of A Feather.

The 69-year-old actress returns as Essex maneater Dorien Green in the ITV revival of the hit sitcom this Christmas, along with co-stars Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke, and they all revealed their dream castings for the show.

George Clooney with Laura Carmichael, Lily James and Michelle Dockery
George Clooney appeared in Downton Abbey for Text Santa (ITV)

Lesley said: “If I could have any guest on Birds it would be George Clooney. I’m so jealous Downton Abbey have nabbed him!”

Co-star Linda added: “I’d plump for Sean Bean. I’d love Tracey to have a fling with him and a nice bed scene!”

And Pauline Quirke thinks Victoria Beckham would fit right in on the show.

Linda Robson, Pauline Quirke and Lesley Josep
Linda Robson, Pauline Quirke and Lesley Joseph star in Birds Of A Feather (ITV)

Fans flocked to the BBC show from 1989 to 1998 to watch the trials and tribulations of Chigwell sisters Tracey Stubbs and Sharon Theodopolopodos and their next-door neighbour Dorien, and millions tuned in when ITV revived the show at the beginning of 2014.

The cast are delighted to be back for another series as they all get on so well.

Pauline revealed: “I do feel sorry for our director at times as we’re always gossiping when we’re together. At the end of the day, though, we get the work done and we’re all very professional on set.”

“We’re all there for each other and we absolutely love this show.”

Lesley Joseph as Birds of a Feather maneater Dorien
Lesley Joseph as Birds Of A Feather maneater Dorien Green (ITV)

Lesley added: “It’s always a risk bringing a show back, especially after 15 years off screen and we were so nervous before the first episode transmitted earlier this year. We were so happy everyone enjoyed it.”

Birds Of A Feather is back in ITV tonight (December 26) at 9pm.