Pauline Quirke, the actress best known for her long-running role in Birds of a Feather, has been living with dementia since 2021, her family confirmed earlier this year. Relatives have now said that the 65-year-old's condition has deteriorated, though they emphasise that she still shows flashes of the humour and warmth that made her a familiar presence on British television.
The announcement followed a period of public speculation about her reduced screen appearances and her decision to step back from acting. Her husband, Steve Sheen, said in January that she had withdrawn from all professional commitments to prioritise her health and spend time with her children and grandchildren.
