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

The actress, who played Sharon Theodopolopodous in the original series of the sitcom and its revival between 2014 and 2017, is set to "step away from all commercial and professional duties"

Pauline Quirke, best known for her role in Birds Of A Feather, will 'step away from all commercial and professional duties' for the time being.

Pauline Quirke, best known for her role in sit-com 'Birds Of A Feather', will be stepping back from public life after a dementia diagnosis

Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke has been diagnosed with dementia, her husband Steve Sheen has announced

Quirke, best known for her role in sitcom ITV Birds of a Feather and soap Emmerdale, will for the time being "step away from all commercial and professional duties".

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.

The duo have been friends for more than 50 years and starred together in 12 series and two Christmas specials of Birds of a Feather.

The Birds of a Feather star has had a 50 year career in TV and film, and founded PQA

Pauline Quirke, best known for her role in Birds of a Feather, will "step away from all commercial and professional duties"

Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke's husband announced on Tuesday that the actress had been diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and has now decided to step back from all work.

The Birds of a Feather actress has a number of performing arts centres in Birmingham

The TV star is stepping away from the spotlight after being diagnosed with dementia

There are six early symptoms of dementia to look out for following Pauline Quirke's recent diagnosis

Pauline Quirke, who is best known for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the long-running sitcom, Birds of a Feather, has announced she's been diagnosed with dementia

Loose Women's Linda Robson has been friends with Pauline Quirke for more than 50 years and revealed the heartbreaking reason she decided to step away from Birds of a Feather

Pauline Quirke, best known for her role in sitcom Birds of a Feather and soap Emmerdale, will for the time being "step away from all commercial and professional duties"

Pauline Quirke failed to make an appearance in the 2020 Birds of a Feather Christmas special leaving co-star Linda Robson to address the 'feud' rumours on Loose Women.

Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke will be stepping away from public life after being diagnosed with dementia.