Pauline Quirke’s son brands her ‘selfless’ in touching statement shared after Birds of a Feather star’s dementia diagnosis
Pauline Quirke’s son beamed as he labelled her “selfless and caring” in a resurfaced post that came following her initial dementia diagnosis.
This week, the veteran actress’ family shared to the public that she was given the heartbreaking diagnosis in 2021, and since the statement, a sweet tribute from her son to the Birds of a Feather star has recirculated.
Back in 2023, Charlie, 30, was full of praise for his mother, 65, in her last public appearance – two years after her private diagnosis.
It came as she received an MBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle, with Charlie writing at the time: “To my beautiful mum. I can’t start to tell you how proud I am of my mum getting her MBE today.
“Her services to charity, young people & the entertainment industry. To the most selfless, funniest and most caring person I know.”
He signed off the sweet post: “Mad day to be honest. Here’s to you mum.”
The actress hasn’t made many public appearances in recent years, with the award marking the last time she was seen in the public eye.
While Birds of a Feathers co-stars have seemed to reunite without Quirke over the past couple of years, it was revealed this week that Quirke’s decision to step out of the limelight was due to dementia.
Her husband Steve Sheen shared on Tuesday: “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.
“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 (PQA).
“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 and enhanced their self-confidence.”
The last couple of years have also seen speculation of a “feud” between Quirke and her Birds of a Feather co-star, Linda Robson.
Loose Women panellist Robson has strongly denied these claims, insisting she and Quirke, along with their co-star Lesley Joseph, remain close.
When asked recently about the possibility of another onscreen reunion of the trio, she explained: “No, Pauline doesn’t act anymore.”
Speaking to Women’s Own, she continued: “Yeah. We have so much history together, me and Pauline have been best friends since we were 10 years old.
“Lesley I’ve known since the first series of Birds of a Feather. Pauline doesn’t like all the social events but me and Lesley love that.
“Pauline hates live TV as well, she’ll only ever come on Loose Women if I am on there because she feels safe then.”
The actress went on to confess Quirke didn’t like the idea of the live Birds of a Feather tour and became anxious about performing.
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Robson has been upfront in the past about her disappointment in her co-star’s change of heart, previously stating: “I’m not going to lie and say Lesley and I weren’t disappointed.
“Of course we were. We were gutted and we couldn’t imagine going on without her. We were a trio – how could it possibly work without any one of us?
“But at the same time as all that sadness, there was acceptance and understanding, too.”
She also described speculation of a clash between the pair as “bulls***”.“