Pauline Quirke struggles to recognise family members in tragic dementia update

Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke finds it difficult to identity her own relatives, just weeks after it was revealed she had been diagnosed with dementia in 2021

Pauline Qurike struggles to recognise her family members due to her advanced dementia(Image: Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

Pauline Quirke struggles to recognise her own family members as her dementia has become advanced.

It was just weeks ago that we learnt the Birds of a Feather star had been diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and was stepping back from acting. She starred with good pal Linda Robson in the BBC series, and Loose Women host Ruth Langsford revealed Linda had known about Pauline's dementia for "some time".

Sadly, Pauline's dementia has advanced to the point where she no longer recognises members of her family a close friend has revealed. Maurice Gran, who co-wrote Birds of a Feather, said Pauline's co-star Lesley Joseph rang him shortly before Pauline's husband Steve announced Pauline's diagnosis.

He told the Mirror: "Last month, Lesley phoned me to ask if Pauline's husband, Steve Sheen, had been in touch. I told her no. 'Well,' said Lesley, 'he's going to go public about Pauline to put a stop to all the speculation.'"

Her husband Steve announced her retirement from acting last month(Image: PA)

"Since the diagnosis, her condition has gathered pace," he added. "She's still only 65 so your heart goes out to her. Initially, she felt she was beginning to lose her grip. Now, we understand she struggles to identify members of her own family."

There had been rumours of a falling out between Pauline - who played Sharon Theodopolopodous in the comedy - and her on-screen sister Linda Robson. When Pauline declined to take part in any more episodes after the 2014-17 reboot of the BBC show, speculation grew.

The actress was diagnosed with dementia in 2021 - at the age of 61

Playing down the notion of a falling out between the two, Maurice said: "They're like sisters, but it's nonsense. It's no more than sibling rivalry, like in any family." Linda and Pauline go all the way back to primary school in North London.

Speculation spread with claims the pair weren't talking, and Pauline was refusing to do any more episodes of Birds of a Feather. Fans were gutted when her character didn't appear in the 2020 Christmas special.

However, the truth was more tragic than people realised. In 2021, at the age of just 61, Pauline was diagnosed with dementia.

Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke were swept up in feud rumours(Image: BBC)

Maurice, who wrote over 100 episodes of Birds of a Feather with co-writer Laurence Marksm, shared his heartache at Pauline's diagnosis. "I've always said that Pauline's talent made our words sound better. It couldn't be sadder," added Maurice.

Pauline's husband Steve announced her retirement from acting last month. In a 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."

He continued: "In drama, her BAFTA-nominated role in The Sculptress, was outstanding, as was her role as the mysterious Susan Wright in ITV's Broadchurch. Demonstrating her acting versatility, she also starred or appeared in more than 60 TV and film productions, including Carrie's War, North and South, Casualty, Cold Blood, Thieving Headmistress, My Family, You, Me and the Apocalypse, and of course Emmerdale."

He concluded: "We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period. For the time being we will not be engaging in interviews or making further statements, since Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren. We are deeply grateful for the support from her peers, the public, and the dedicated staff and Principals at PQA (Pauline Quirke Academy)."

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