I was so touched to see Charlie, Pauline Quirke’s son, share some lovely, never-before-seen photos of his mum online yesterday. He’s doing it all as part of a really amazing challenge he’s taken on to honor her, and it just warmed my heart!
I was so saddened to hear that Pauline, who I absolutely loved in Birds of a Feather, is dealing with dementia. She received the diagnosis back in 2021, and it’s just heartbreaking. I’m sending all my best wishes to her and her family.
On December 8, Charlie will set out on a 140km trek for his mother.
He explained he was doing it to fulfill his mother’s wishes and to support all families affected by the heartbreak of dementia. He believes it’s crucial to do everything possible to discover a cure.
He’ll retrace the path of Pauline’s life, from her early dreams of becoming an actress to her success on a popular sitcom, visiting important locations along the way and cherishing the memories they hold. He’ll then bring those memories home with him for the holidays.
Charlie is doing this difficult task in honor of Pauline, and to support all families impacted by dementia. He wants to bring the hope of a cure directly to those who need it most.
‘It’s going to be physically and emotionally challenging,’ he said.
‘I imagine each day will be a mix of tears, laughs and above all else, so much love for my mum.;
Over the next three weeks, Charlie is preparing for his trek, and we’ll be sharing updates on his progress.
Pauline’s family isn’t sure how far along the illness has progressed, and they’re focusing on getting through each day as it comes. They share that despite everything, she often remains cheerful, talkative, and happy.
Pauline’s husband, Steve Sheen, along with Charlie, spoke on BBC Breakfast about their shock when they first learned of her diagnosis.
Steve remembered when they first noticed Pauline was having difficulties – it was back in November 2020.
It was during a time where she found it difficult to read a script.
He explained that she began reading something, and called him that same day to say she couldn’t focus on the words. That’s when the problem began.
Steve also spoke about the moment they received the news from doctors.
‘We looked at each other and went, “Can’t be, it’s long Covid. Got the flu”,’ he recalled.
Meanwhile Charlie explained how the family don’t know what stage she is at in her diagnosis.
He explained the issue was a lack of communication. His mother, however, always acknowledged them with warmth, smiling, laughing, and telling them she loved them and saying hello whenever they met.
Steve continued, saying, “Sadly, there’s not much we can do at the moment. Just focus on making the most of each day and finding the good in it.”
‘It’s so gradual that for the first year, two years, you’re thinking, “Ah, she’s alright”.
After living with this for three or four years, things are clearer. That’s why understanding the condition is so important. When we first started, we didn’t know what to expect – how long it would last, how severe it would be, or how quickly it would progress.
As a dedicated follower of Charlie’s journey, I’ve noticed something really important: her health isn’t static. It’s constantly evolving – changing daily, in fact. It means everyone supporting her is always learning new things about what she’s going through, and adapting to meet her needs. It’s a continuous process of understanding and support.
Following her announcement earlier this year that she was retiring from acting after a three-year struggle with the illness, this news represents the latest development in Pauline’s health journey.
Steve has announced that his wife, Pauline, is stepping away from all work commitments after being diagnosed with dementia in 2021. He said it was a difficult decision and shared the news with a heavy heart.
Pauline is a role model thanks to her achievements in film and television, her dedication to charitable work, and her founding of the thriving Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).
She was a remarkably talented and dedicated artist whose work has positively impacted many people. Her influence will continue through her creations and through PQA, where she inspired young people to explore the arts, build their confidence, and pursue their passions.
Besides starring in the popular comedy Birds of a Feather, Pauline also appeared in well-known dramas like Emmerdale and Broadchurch. She even received a BAFTA nomination for her performance in The Sculptress.
He also mentioned that Pauline is probably most famous for playing Sharon Theodopolopodous in the long-running and funny sitcom, Birds of a Feather, which was on television for almost three decades.
She gave a remarkable performance in the BAFTA-nominated drama, The Sculptress, and was equally compelling as the enigmatic Susan Wright in the ITV series, Broadchurch.
She proved her range as an actress by appearing in over 60 television and film projects, with notable roles in shows like Carrie’s War, North and South, Casualty, Cold Blood, Thieving Headmistress, My Family, You, Me and the Apocalypse, and the long-running soap opera, Emmerdale.
Throughout her impressive 50-year career, Pauline has earned numerous award nominations. These include recognition for her work in comedy, such as Best TV Comedy Actress at the British Comedy Awards, and for being a rising star in the British Soap Awards. She’s also been frequently nominated for Most Popular Actress and Comedy Performer at the National Television Awards.
In 2022, Pauline received an MBE in the Queen’s final Birthday Honours list. This was a well-deserved award recognizing her outstanding work with young people, her impact on the entertainment industry, and her commitment to helping charities.
Pauline Quirke has retired from acting, but the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) is still thriving. With around 250 locations and over 15,000 students throughout the UK, PQA will continue to run as usual, staying true to Pauline’s original vision.
Pauline and her husband Steve have been married since 1996 and have a 30-year-old son named Charlie. Like his mother, Charlie is an actor and even appeared in the 2019 revival of Birds of a Feather.
The star also has daughter Emily, 40, from a previous relationship.
Breakfast airs everyday from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
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2025-11-17 14:51