Birds of a Feather star reveals dementia diagnosis

Pauline Quirke, famous for starring in TV sitcom Birds of a Feather, has retired from acting following a dementia diagnosis, her husband has said.

“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,” Steve Sheen said.

Her diagnosis was not made public at the time.

“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),” Mr Sheen added.

Mr Sheen praised his wife’s “talent, dedication, and vision”.

He said her drama academy “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”.

Quirke was best-known as an actress for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous on the long-running sitcom Birds of a Feather, winning a British Comedy Award for the role.

It ran from 1989 to 1998 on BBC One, and then on ITV from 2014 to 2020.

The series followed the lives of sisters Tracey and Sharon, played by Linda Robson and Quirke, who have to fend for themselves after their husbands are arrested for armed robbery.

She also appeared in Broadchurch, Emmerdale and The Sculptress.

In 2022, Quirke was made an MBE for her dedication to charitable causes, contributions to the entertainment industry and work with young people.

PQA has about 250 academies and more than 15,000 students across the UK, and will “continue to operate as normal in accordance with Pauline’s ideology”, Mr Sheen said.

He requested privacy and understanding for his wife and her family, saying they would not be making further statements.

“Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren,” he added.