have you ever given it a general feed? perhaps it is lacking nutrients.
Try that and hope it will recover.

I would try SBG's suggestion first but Aucuba does have a habit of suffering from a root disease called Phytophthora (look it up) of which there is no remedy and best not to grow anything else in that spot for some time.

Thanks, Seaburngirl: I have just given it some Growmore and have also found the continuous release plant food as well.
Jimmytheone: I have indeed looked this up but have a Ceanothus growing just a few feet from it, still very healthy and in flower as we speak. I tried to attach a photo but somehow it didn't work and I don't want to lose this message. I am not an expert so hopefully it does just need a feed.

Dear Seaburngirl and Jimmytheone

You kindly commented on my aucuba problem back in May. Sorry to say it went from bad to worse and I have today just pulled it up. The roots were almost non existent and it was very easy to pull up. I shall miss it. I know they are a very reliable shrub and I had one for years at my old flat. In fact, this one was somehow an offcut from it.
There is now a space where the aucuba had lived for over seven years. I cannot find how long the space should be left before getting another shrub and whether I should fertilise the position or whatever. Any ideas would be welcome.