Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke’s dementia was made public by her husband Steve Sheen earlier this year, following her diagnosis in 2021
Samantha Masters Content Editor
11:06, 11 Nov 2025
Pauline Quirke, Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson of Birds of a Feather (Image: ITV )
Birds of a Feather star Lesley Joseph has provided a health update regarding her co-star Pauline Quirke. Back in January, Pauline’s husband Steve Sheen revealed that the Sharon Theodopolopodous actress had been diagnosed with dementia and could no longer continue acting.
In his announcement, 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.
“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 went on to say 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”.
Pauline Quirke was diagnosed with dementia in 2021(Image: ITV)
When recently questioned about how Pauline is coping, Lesley kept details private but confirmed she is “okay” during an interview with Woman Magazine.
During the same occasion, the actress revealed she had arrangements to visit her former co-star at her home.
The duo, together with Linda Robson, are best known for their roles in the sitcom Birds of a Feather.
While the trio won’t be getting back together on television due to Pauline’s condition, Lesley responded to speculation about her and Linda carrying on as a pair for a comedy programme.
“This hasn’t happened yet, but that’s still with a question mark,” she said, teasing the possibility. “We’ll know more next year.”
Lesley’s update follows Linda’s heartbreaking revelation that their co-star no longer recognises anyone.
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.
The trio are best known for their roles in Birds of a Feather (Image: PA)
“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.”
Back in May, during an episode of the Loose Women podcast, the panellist said Pauline was “doing really well” though said she “sometimes has down days”.
The actress also spoke of a particularly poignant 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 confessed.
Discussing the earlier stages of Pauline’s diagnosis, Linda said she first became worried about her 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 revealed to Bella magazine.
“I’ve known for the last three years that she wasn’t well,” Linda added, emphasising the importance of respecting the family’s wishes by keeping the news private.
