Lesley Joseph Speaks Emotionally About Pauline Quirke as Concerns Over Actress’s Health Resurface

London — Lesley Joseph has spoken publicly about former co-star Pauline Quirke, offering a rare and emotional glimpse into the wellbeing of the actor best known for her work on the long-running sitcom Birds of a Feather. Joseph’s comments, made during an interview with Bella magazine, have prompted renewed discussion about Quirke’s health and raised questions about the level of privacy surrounding her condition.

Joseph, 80, who starred alongside Quirke for three decades, told the magazine that her longtime colleague was “not okay now.” The remark came in response to questions about reports, circulated earlier this year, alleging that Quirke had been diagnosed with dementia in 2021. Those reports have not been publicly confirmed by Quirke, her representatives, or her family.

The actor did not offer medical details, but she did indicate that Quirke’s health had declined. “Pauline is not too well after being diagnosed with dementia a while ago,” Joseph said in the interview, before adding, “She’s not okay now. I haven’t had time, but I’m going to go up and see her next week.”

The disclosure marks one of the few occasions in which Joseph has commented directly on Quirke’s condition since speculation began circulating earlier this year. Quirke, 66, has maintained a low public profile for several years, having stepped away from Birds of a Feather ahead of its 2020 Christmas special.

Joseph has repeatedly emphasized the importance of privacy in matters concerning Quirke’s personal life, a stance she reiterated earlier in the year during an appearance on Good Morning Britain. When asked about her former co-star’s health during that interview, Joseph declined to address specific claims, stating, “I won’t talk about her at the moment with her illness because that’s private.” Instead, she chose to highlight Quirke’s professional legacy.

“What a wonderful actress she is and what joy she has given,” Joseph said at the time. She went on to praise Quirke’s versatility, referencing her BAFTA-nominated performance in The Sculptress, as well as roles in Broadchurch, Emmerdale, and the iconic Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather. “I take my hat off to Pauline. She’s amazing,” Joseph added.

Quirke’s representatives have not responded to requests for comment regarding the latest interview, and there has been no formal confirmation of any medical diagnosis. Her family has previously asked for privacy amid public speculation.

Industry colleagues note that Quirke has deliberately stepped back from television work in recent years. Friends of the actor have said that she has devoted her time to family and to supporting the nationwide network of Pauline Quirke Academies, the performing arts schools she co-founded with her husband. Her absence from public appearances has contributed to speculation, though those close to her have emphasized that she has simply chosen a quieter life.

Media experts say Joseph’s remarks highlight a tension familiar in the entertainment industry: the public’s longstanding affection for well-known performers versus individuals’ right to medical privacy. Professor Elaine Turner, a specialist in celebrity culture at the University of Nottingham, notes that such situations often place enormous pressure on both the individual and those close to them.

“When a beloved public figure withdraws from the spotlight, audiences naturally wonder why,” Turner said. “But not every actor wishes to share details of their private health circumstances. Co-stars like Lesley Joseph often find themselves balancing respect for privacy with public concern.”

For many fans, Joseph’s recent comments have reinforced the enduring bond between the two actors, whose portrayal of mismatched friends Dorien, Sharon, and Tracey made Birds of a Feather one of Britain’s most enduring sitcoms. Social media users responded to the interview with messages of support, both for Quirke and for Joseph, who has often spoken of the affection and professional admiration that defined their working relationship.

While the precise nature of Quirke’s health issues remains unconfirmed, Joseph’s decision to address the matter at all underscores the emotional weight the subject carries for those who worked closely with her. As she prepares to visit her friend, Joseph’s comments serve as a reminder of the deep personal relationships that exist beyond the public roles celebrated on screen.

For now, Quirke continues to maintain her privacy, and Joseph has made clear that she intends to respect that boundary. What remains undeniable is the impact Quirke has had on British television and the affection that continues to surround her name.