Birds of a Feather actress Pauline Quirke stepped back from all professional and commercial duties, following her dementia diagnosis in 2021
Samantha Masters Content Editor
11:26, 11 Nov 2025
Lesley Joseph issued an update about Pauline Quirke’s health (Image: Mark Lawrence/TV Times via Getty Images)
Birds of a Feather actress Lesley Joseph has issued an update about her co-star Pauline Quirke’s health. Earlier this year, the latter’s husband Steve Sheen revealed that the Sharon Theodopolopodous star had been diagnosed with dementia and would no longer be able to perform.
In his statement, he said: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife Pauline’s decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of dementia in 2021.
“Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours and as the founder of the very successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).”
Steve continued, explaining that his wife’s drama academy had “touched countless lives and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA, where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young peoples’ progression and interest in the arts and enhanced their self-confidence”.
When recently asked about Pauline’s wellbeing, Lesley didn’t go into details but confirmed she is “okay” during an interview with Woman Magazine.
Pauline Quirke was diagnosed with dementia in 2021(Image: ITV)
During the same event, the actress revealed she had arranged to visit her former co-star at her home.
The duo, together with Linda Robson, are most recognised for their roles in the sitcom Birds of a Feather.
While the trio won’t be reuniting on screen owing to Pauline’s health condition, Lesley responded to speculation about her and Linda potentially continuing as a double act for a comedy programme.
“This hasn’t happened yet, but that’s still with a question mark,” she teased. “We’ll know more next year.”
Lesley’s update follows Linda’s revelation about their co-star’s deteriorating condition.
Speaking to The Sun, she shared: “It’s very sad. We’ve been best friends since we were ten. I’ve known [about the diagnosis] for three years and we’ve managed to keep it quiet.
“She doesn’t know who anybody is. She doesn’t know who I am or who her kids are.
“Dementia is terrible – I’d rather get cancer, because at least then you’ve got a chance.”
Pauline Quirke, Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson of Birds of a Feather (Image: ITV )
Back in May, during an episode of the Loose Women podcast, the panellist mentioned that Pauline was “doing really well” though said she “sometimes has down days”.
The actress also recalled a particularly emotional moment when she learned that her co-star had asked for her.
“They [Pauline’s family] said they got really excited when she said, ‘Where’s my mate Linda Robson?’ I got quite emotional when he told me,” she revealed.
Linda also disclosed that she first became concerned about Pauline when she stopped returning her calls.
“Eventually, Steve phoned me back. Lesley [Joseph] and I went for lunch with her and that’s when we realised something wasn’t right with her, and that was three years ago,” she told Bella magazine.
“I’ve known for the last three years that she wasn’t well,” Linda added, emphasising the importance of keeping the news private out of respect for the family’s wishes.
