Loose Women star Linda Robson is said to have been unaware her Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline Quirke's devastating dementia statement was going to be released

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

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 most common types include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia and mixed dementia, according to Dementia UK. Lead-charity Alzheimer's society have shared the early symptoms to look out for to receive a diagnosis as soon as possible.

Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke will step away from acting after being diagnosed with dementia, her husband has announced. On Tuesday morning (21st January), Steve Sheen released a statement saying the actress will "step back from all professional and commercial duties" following her diagnosis four years ago.

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

British sitcom star Pauline Quirke will step back from professional duties after being diagnosed with dementia. Her husband, Steve Sheen, released a statement saying the Birds of a Feather actress had been diagnosed with the condition in 2021.

Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke reveals dementia diagnosis and will ‘step away’ from public lifeLUMEN 5

Loose Women presenter Linda Robson has been close friends with Pauline Quirke for decades and was aware of her diagnosis before the public announcement was made this week