Lesley Joseph has shared an update on her Birds of a Feather co-star
Christopher Sharp Trendswatch Reporter and Emma Slee
20:56, 28 Oct 2025
Pauline Quirke, Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson (Image: ITV )
Actress Lesley Joseph has provided an update on her Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline Quirke, who was given a dementia diagnosis four years ago. Earlier this year, it emerged that the 66 year old Pauline was stepping away from acting after battling the condition for three years.
Pauline portrayed Sharon Theodopolopodous alongside Lesley in Birds of a Feather from 1989 to 1998, securing a British Comedy Award for her performance in 1990. At the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards, Lesley spoke about Pauline’s wellbeing and her intention to visit her.
Lesley, 80, revealed to Bella magazine: “Pauline is not too well after being diagnosed with dementia a while ago. She’s not okay now. I haven’t had time, but I’m going to go up and see her next week.”
Pauline’s husband Steve Sheen disclosed her dementia diagnosis and ensuing retirement. In his statement, he highlighted his wife’s contribution to the film and television industry, her charitable efforts, and her achievements as founder of the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).
He stated: “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”, reports the Mirror.
“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).”
Just a few years before retiring from acting, Pauline was awarded an MBE for her contributions to the entertainment industry, youth, and charitable causes.
Furthermore, the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts has flourished tremendously, with 250 academies and supporting more than 15,000 students nationwide.
The academy shared its appreciation for Pauline on Instagram, declaring: “It has been wonderful to see how many lives Pauline has touched through her work with PQA and in her 50-year career in film and television.
“Improving the lives of young people through the performing arts has been PQA’s ethos since Pauline and Steve opened their first academy in 2007, and remains central to everything that we do.”
After his wife’s retirement, Pauline’s husband Steve committed their future backing to Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Hilary Evans-Newton, chief executive of the charity, remarked on the situation, saying: “We are saddened to hear of Pauline’s diagnosis and send our best wishes to her, Steve and the wider family.
“The family should be praised for making the brave decision to make her diagnosis public, which will not only provide more freedom for them, but also raise such vital awareness of the condition.
“We’re so grateful that Pauline and Steve have pledged to support our work when the time is right. We look forward to working with them to raise further awareness of dementia and funds for research.”
