Lesley Joseph has spoken out about her former Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline Quirke’s recent dementia diagnosis. The 79-year-old actress was discussing dating advice for single women over 50 on Good Morning Britain with hosts Robert Rinder and Charlotte Hawkins when the conversation turned to Pauline’s health.
“I have to say what a wonderful actress she is,” responded Lesley. “And what joy she has given. Not just in Birds of A Feather but in The Sculptress where she was really scary, and in Broadchurch and Emmerdale, I take my hat off to Pauline. She’s amazing.
“I won’t talk about her at the moment with her illness because that’s private,” she continued.
“I lived through dementia with my mum, who lived to nearly 104 and in her nineties she was still playing tennis and she was so full of life as she got older, she was an amazing character.”
Pauline’s dementia diagnosis was made public at the end of January. Her husband Steve Sheen issued a statement saying: “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.
The statement read: “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). Her talent, dedication, and vision have 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.”
The family of Pauline has asked for privacy, stating: “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.”
Following the announcement, Linda Robson, a fellow Birds of a Feather actress, spoke about her dear friend. Speaking to Express.co.uk, she commented: “I have noticed a real difference with her; she doesn’t remember her grandchildren, so she’s not going to remember who I am even though we’ve been friends 56 years. It really is sad.”
Additionally, she took to Instagram to express her feelings, writing: “This will be the only time I speak on behalf of my best friend, Pauline. For the past three years, I’ve been in close contact with her husband, Steve, and have spent time with Pauline. It breaks my heart to see her endure such a terrible illness. Out of respect for her family and her privacy, I will not be discussing this matter further.”
Pauline, Linda and Lesley starred in the popular BBC sitcom Birds of a Feather from 1989 to 1998. The show was later revived by ITV, producing new episodes between 2014 and 2020.
Pauline and Linda portrayed sisters who reunite when their husbands are incarcerated for armed robbery, with Lesley playing the role of their neighbour, Dorien.
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