Actor Pauline Quirke, best known for starring in BBC sitcom Birds of a Feather, has dementia, her husband has announced. In a statement, Steve Sheen confirmed that she was diagnosed a number of years ago and she will no longer be doing any public-facing work.

“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,” said Sheen.

“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 people’s progression and interest in the arts, and enhanced their self-confidence.”

Quirke, 65, played the role of Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather, one of two sisters whose husbands are sent to jail for armed robbery. The series ran for ten years between 1989 and 1998, before being revived for three more seasons by ITV in 2014, followed by two Christmas specials. Quirke won best TV comedy newcomer at the British Comedy awards for her role in 1990. In 1997, she was nominated as best actress for a TV Bafta, after starring in the BBC adaptation of Minette Walters’ crime drama, The Sculptress.

The actor did not appear in Birds of a Feather’s final Christmas special due to deciding to concentrate on PQA rather than acting. The academy, which she set up in 2007, operates at more than 200 locations across the UK and has over 15,000 students. Quirke earned an MBE in 2022 for services to young people, the entertainment industry and charity.

“We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period,” said Sheen. “Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren.”

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