Pauline Quirke’s family issues statement after fans’ moving messages of support amid dementia diagnosis
Pauline Quirke’s husband shared the heartbreaking news earlier this week that the Birds of a Feather actress had been diagnosed with dementia back in 2021.
The 65-year-old has been out of the public eye for a few years after becoming a household name in the 1970s and ’80s. On Thursday, in a new update, Quirke’s son shared an emotional statement on behalf of the family.
Taking to his Instagram on Thursday, the 30-year-old thanked Quirke’s fans for their messages of support.
Alongside a sweet photo of himself and his mother walking arm in arm, he wrote: “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 (sic).”
Quirke was best known for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the BBC sitcom Birds of a Feather, in which she starred alongside Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph.
The series originally ran from 1988 to 1999, and following a long hiatus, the comedy made a comeback on ITV in 2014 for a couple of series, much to the delight of long-term viewers.
The latest instalment came in the form of a 2020 Christmas Special, but despite fans’ hopes, no further episodes have been made in the years since.
While Loose Women star Robson, 66, had continued to quash rumours of further episodes, citing that Quirke no longer acts, speculation began to swirl that the two were in a “feud”.
Robson continued to stamp out the claims, labelling them “bulls***”.
Speaking to Women’s Own last year, she explained: “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.
It is now understood Quirke’s reluctance to take part in a reunion was due to her dementia diagnosis, which her husband Steve Sheen shared with the public for the first time 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,” Sheen began in his statement.
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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.
“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.”
Quirke’s last public appearance was in February 2023 at Windsor Castle, where Prince William presented her with the honour.
At the time, and before the diagnosis was made public, Charlie penned a poignant statement about his “selfless” mother.