Pauline Quirke, 65, tragically 'no longer recognises family' amid her devastating battle with dementia  - weeks after it was revealed she'd been living with the disease for four years

Pauline Quirke can reportedly no longer recognise family amid the beloved actress' devastating battle with dementia. 

Her husband Steve Sheen announced in a statement last month that the the Birds Of A Feather star, 65, would be 'stepping away from all commercial and professional duties' after living with the disease for four years. 

Now Maurice Glen, who co-wrote the sitcom which made Pauline famous alongside pal Linda Robson, 66, revealed her condition had sadly 'gathered pace'. 

Telling the publication: '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.' 

Pauline married TV producer Steve in 1996, and they share son Charlie, 30, while the actress also has daughter Emily, 40, from a previous relationship. 

Maurice said how fellow Birds Of A Feather star Lesley Joseph, 79, telephoned him shortly before the statement was made public last month.

'[Lesley asked] if Pauline's husband, Steve Sheen, had been in touch, I told her no. 'Well,' said Lesley, 'he's going to go public about Pauline to put a stop to all the speculation'. 

Rumours of a rift between Pauline and co-star Linda emerged when Pauline quit  Birds Of A Feather in 2017 and her character Sharon Theodopolopodous was omitted from the 2020 Christmas special, a year before her diagnosis. 

A devastated Maurice, who co-wrote the sitcom with Laurence Marks, said: 'I've always said that Pauline's talent made our words sound better. It couldn't be sadder,' 

It comes after Pauline's son Charlie said he had been 'moved' by the flurry of messages of support he'd received following Pauline's diagnosis being made public.

Taking to his Instagram Stories to share a snap with his mother as he spoke about the diagnosis for the first time.

He penned in the caption: 'Hi all, I just wanted to say a massive thank you to all of you for your messages of support, kind words about my beautiful mum and stories you have.

'We, as a family are very moved and touched by all of them, and they have put a smile on all of our faces. We appreciate each and everyone of you. Thank you.'