Actress Pauline Quirke has been diagnosed with dementia and will step away from all professional duties, her husband Steve Sheen revealed today.
The 65-year-old Birds of a Feather star received her diagnosis in 2021, but it has only now been made public.
Sheen announced his wife's retirement from "all professional and commercial duties" in a statement released on Tuesday morning.
The announcement marks the end of Quirke's illustrious 50-year career in television and film, during which she became one of Britain's most beloved performers.
"It is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife Pauline's decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of Dementia in 2021," Sheen began in his statement.
He continued: "Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours and as the founder of the very successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts.
Quirke in 2011
PA
"Her talent, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young peoples' progression and interest in the Arts."
The family has requested privacy during this difficult period, with Sheen noting that Quirke wishes to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren.
Quirke rose to fame as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the long-running sitcom Birds of a Feather, winning a British Comedy Award for the role.
Her versatile acting career spanned more than 60 TV and film productions, including a Bafta-nominated performance in The Sculptress.
Quirke as Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather
ITV
She delivered memorable performances in popular series such as Broadchurch, where she played Susan Wright, and Emmerdale as Hazel Rhodes.
Throughout her career, she received multiple nominations for Most Popular Actress and Most Popular Comedy Performer at the National Television Awards.
Her work included appearances in Carrie's War, North and South, Casualty, and Cold Blood.
Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, praised the family's decision to make the diagnosis public.
"We are saddened to hear of Pauline's diagnosis and send our best wishes to her, Steve and the wider family," Evans-Newton said.
She commended the family's "brave decision" to share the news, noting it would raise vital awareness of the condition.
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Quirke meeting receiving an MBE from the Prince of Wales in 2022, her last public appearance
PA
The organisation revealed that Pauline and Steve have pledged to support their work in the future.
"We look forward to working with them to raise further awareness of dementia and funds for research," Evans-Newton added.
In 2022, Quirke was awarded an MBE in the late Queen's final Birthday Honours list for her services to young people, entertainment and charitable causes.
Her last public appearance was in February 2023 at Windsor Castle, where Prince William presented her with the honour.
the Prince of Wales was photographed placing his hand on her shoulder in congratulation during the investiture ceremony.
While Quirke steps back from public life, her performing arts academy continues to thrive across the nation.
The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) operates approximately 250 academies throughout the UK, serving over 15,000 students.
"PQA remains robust and will continue to operate as normal in accordance with Pauline's ideology," Sheen confirmed.
