British sitcom star Pauline Quirke will step back from professional duties after being diagnosed with dementia.

NHS outlines early signs of dementia which will affect one in two of us during our lifetimes - either by developing the condition or caring for someone with it

The Birds of a Feather star retires from acting and reveals she was diagnosed with dementia in 2021.

Pauline Quirke's shock dementia diagnosis has caused an increase in concerns about the disease and its symptoms. Impacting one in two people, dementia is not a part of old age, but a neurological disease that causes the decline in cognitive function.

Pauline Quirke and her Birds of a Feather co-star Linda Robson were at the centre of reports of a “feud” prior to her dementia diagnosis.

A household name in the 1990s and 2000s, Pauline Quirke played one half of mismatched sister act Sharon and Tracey in the hit sitcom Birds Of A Feather for over 15 years.

Pauline Quirke was seen looking radiant and in good spirits as she received her MBE in her last public appearance. It was revealed the beloved star of Birds Of A Feather would step back from her professional duties yesterday after a diagnosis of dementia.

Pauline Quirke has been diagnosed with dementia, her husband Steve Sheen has announced. The Birds of a Feather star, 65, is best known for playing Sharon Theodopolopodous in the much-loved sitcom alongside Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph from 1988 to 1999.

He said in a statement: "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,