The beloved *Birds of a Feather* star, Pauline Quirke, has been facing an incredibly difficult battle with dementia. 

A close friend has revealed that her condition has advanced to the point 

where she no longer recognizes even her closest family members, a heartbreaking reality for the 65-year-old actress. 

Pauline was diagnosed with dementia in 2021 at the age of 61, though her condition was not made public until January 2025. 

The news came after her husband, TV producer Steve Sheen, shared the news in an emotional statement. 

Since her diagnosis, Pauline has withdrawn from the public eye, a painful sign of how rapidly her condition has progressed. 

A close friend of Pauline’s, Maurice Gran—who co-wrote the iconic sitcom *Birds of a Feather* with Laurence Marks—opened up to *The Mirror* about the severity of her situation.

Maurice, who has known Pauline for many years, shared that her co-star Lesley Joseph had reached out to him ahead of the public announcement, asking if Pauline’s husband had been in touch. Lesley, who played Dorien Green in *Birds of a Feather*, was aware of the growing speculation about Pauline’s health. For years, rumors swirled about a rift between Pauline and her on-screen sister, Linda Robson, leading many to speculate that Pauline had retired from acting due to personal differences. However, as Maurice revealed, the truth was much more painful than anyone realized.

“Since the diagnosis, her condition has gathered pace,” Maurice said, noting that despite Pauline being only 65, she has struggled to maintain basic memories. “Her condition has advanced so much that she no longer recognizes members of her own family,” he continued. It is a tragic development, and one that has deeply affected those who know and love her.

Pauline’s sudden withdrawal from the *Birds of a Feather* reboot between 2014 and 2017 only fueled the rumors that she had fallen out with Linda. Fans of the show were left puzzled when Pauline didn’t return for the 2020 Christmas special, and the mystery surrounding her absence led to widespread speculation about a falling out between the two co-stars. However, Maurice firmly believes that these rumors were overblown. “Linda and Pauline go way back, all the way to primary school in north London,” he explained. “They are like sisters. What people interpreted as a feud was more sibling rivalry, like any family might experience.”

The true reason for Pauline’s absence was far more heartbreaking than anyone could have imagined. By 2021, Pauline received her official dementia diagnosis, which explained her gradual withdrawal from public life. It wasn’t about a feud with Linda but rather the toll that the disease was taking on her memory and ability to perform.

Maurice, who has worked closely with both Pauline and Linda over the years, also shared how deeply Pauline’s diagnosis affected him. He spoke fondly of the two women’s incredible chemistry on *Birds of a Feather*, a show he and Laurence Marks created after being inspired by two women they saw out on the town wearing flashy, over-the-top outfits. “As soon as I told Laurence about these two women, he immediately said, ‘Linda and Pauline,’” Maurice recalled. “We couldn’t have asked for better actresses to bring those characters to life.”

Their friendship and shared experiences over the years helped shape the iconic roles of Sharon and Tracey, which became central to the show’s success. Maurice added that he had always admired Pauline’s acting talent, noting, “Pauline’s talent made our words sound better. It couldn’t be sadder to see her struggling now.”

As Pauline’s dementia continues to take its toll, her family, friends, and fans are left heartbroken by the actress’s decline. Despite the struggles, Maurice and the rest of her co-stars continue to cherish the memories of the vibrant, talented woman who made *Birds of a Feather* such a beloved sitcom. Pauline’s legacy in the entertainment industry will remain, but the personal toll dementia has taken on her is an undeniable tragedy. Her journey serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of this cruel disease.

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