Pauline was diagnosed in 2021

Lesley Joseph has issued a sad update on Pauline Quirke amid her dementia battle.

Earlier this year, Pauline’s husband Steve Sheen confirmed Pauline has dementia, having been diagnosed in 2021.

Lesley worked alongside Pauline in Birds Of A Feather, along with Linda Robson from 1989 to 2000. And now, Lesley has revealed her former co-star Pauline is “not okay”.

Pauline is currently living with dementia (Credit: Youtube)

Lesley Joseph shares Pauline Quirke dementia update

Pauline’s dementia diagnosis and subsequent retirement were confirmed by her husband Steve Sheen earlier this year.

The tragic news left her former co-stars devastated, with Linda Robson revealing at the time that the diagnosis is “very sad”.

Lesley meanwhile was previously hesitant to discuss her dear friend’s health. Appearing on Good Morning Britain in February, she shut down any further questioning on Pauline’s recent diagnosis.

She’s not okay now.

But several months on and Lesley has now shared an update on how Pauline is doing amid her dementia battle.

While at the Variety Club Showbusiness Awards last week, she 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.”

Lesley has shared an update (Credit: ITV YouTube)

Pauline ‘struggles to identify members of her own family’

Additionally, in February, it was reported that Pauline was enduring problems with recognising those closest to her.

Birds of a Feather co-writer Maurice Gran told the Mirror: “Since the diagnosis, her condition has gathered pace. She’s still only 65 so your heart goes out to her.

“Initially, she felt she was beginning to lose her grip. Now, we understand she struggles to identify members of her own family.” He added: “It couldn’t be sadder.”

While making Pauline’s diagnosis public this year, Steve said his wife wants to focus on spending time with her family.

“We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period. Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren,” he said at the time. Friends and family have extended their support to the actress since her condition was made public.

Pauline has been married to Steve since 1996 and they share a son named Charlie together. She also has a daughter, Emily, from her previous relationship.