Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke, 65, has been diagnosed with dementia, her husband, Steve Sheen, has revealed.
The award-winning actress has appeared in numerous popular television shows such as Emmerdale, Broadchurch and The Sculptress. However, she is “stepping back” from her professional life after her diagnosis.
While sharing the heartbreaking news, Steve said that he and his actress wife have pledged support to Alzheimer’s Research UK. They hope to raise funds for research and spread awareness about the condition that affects millions of people every year.
Pauline Quirke diagnosed with dementia
The soap star was diagnosed with dementia in 2021, her husband of 29 years revealed in a statement announcing her condition on Tuesday (January 21).
Steve said it was “with a heavy heart” that his wife is taking a break from her professional and commercial duties.
Dementia is a brain condition that affects an individual’s cognitive functions, such as thinking, reasoning and memory.
Pauline’s husband said: “We are deeply grateful for the support of her peers, the public and the dedicated staff and Principals at PQA [Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts].
“We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period. Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren.”
Steve then added: “We are very proud of what our family friend Scott Mitchell is doing with Alzheimer’s Research UK in his late wife Dame Barbara Windsor’s name. So, when we feel able, we will also align ourselves with the charity.”
‘Brave’
Meanwhile, commenting on the star’s diagnosis, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, Hilary Evans-Newton, said: “We are saddened to hear of Pauline’s diagnosis and send out best wishes to her, Steve and wider family.
“The family should be praised for making the brave decision to make her diagnosis public, which will not only provide more freedom for them but also raise such vital awareness of the condition.”
Hilary continued: “We’re grateful that Pauline and Steve have pledged to support our work when the time is right. We look forward to working with them to raise further awareness of dementia and funds for research.”
Pauline’s acting career
Pauline’s acting career spans over five decades. She is best known for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather from 1989 to 1998.
She would later appear in its revival series on ITV from 2014 to 2017. Pauline’s son, Charlie, whom she shares with Steve, also appeared in the series alongside his mother. The actress has a daughter, Emily, from her previous relationship.
In a statement issued to The Mail, Steve spoke highly of his wife’s professional achievements. He said: “During her epic 50-year career, Pauline has been nominated for many awards, including Best TV Comedy Actress in the British Comedy Awards, Best Newcomer in the British Soap Awards and has received multiple nominations for Most Popular Actress and Most Popular Comedy Performer in the National Television Awards.
“In 2022, Pauline was awarded an MBE in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours. It was a heartfelt recognition of her incredible work with young people, her contributions to entertainment. And her dedication to charitable causes.”
He continued: “Her acting career has now come to a close, but Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), with its network of approximately 250 academies and over 15,000 students across the UK, remains robust. It will continue to operate as normal in accordance with Pauline’s ideology.”
Pauline had previously opened up about her health woes. The actress was forced to lose a staggering eight stone in a year.
She went from 20 stone to 12 stone, following a hip replacement, issues with knee joints and sustaining an injury to her arm after a fall.
Read more: Behind-the-scenes struggle that blighted Pauline Quirke for all 101 episodes of Birds of a Feather
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The Birds of a Feather star’s ‘bravery’ has been hailed
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