Actress Lesley Joseph has provided a heartfelt update on her Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline Quirke, who received a dementia diagnosis four years ago. Earlier this year, it emerged that 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 the performance in 1990. Speaking at the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards, Lesley addressed Pauline's health and revealed her intentions to visit her shortly.

The actress, 80, told 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," reports the Mirror.

Pauline's husband Steve Sheen confirmed her dementia diagnosis and subsequent retirement.

In a statement, he lauded his wife's contribution to the film and TV industry, her charitable work, and her achievements as the founder of the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).

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)."

Just a few years prior to stepping away from her acting career, Pauline received recognition with an MBE for her outstanding contributions to entertainment, youth work, and charitable endeavours.

Furthermore, the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts has flourished tremendously, now operating 250 academies and supporting over 15,000 students nationwide.

The academy paid tribute to Pauline via 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."