Birds Of A Feather star Pauline Quirke has dementia and is stepping back from acting, her husband has announced.
The actress has had an incredible 50-year career. She is best known for starring alongside Loose Women's Linda Robson in Birds Of A Feather, but has also appeared in Emmerdale, Broadchurch and Skins, among other titles.
The 65-year-old's husband Steve Sheen shared the news in a statement. It read: "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."
Pauline was awarded an MBE in Queen Elizabeth II's final Birthday Honours back in 2022 for services to young people, the entertainment industry and charity.
Birds Of A Feather ran for more than 120 episodes across almost 28 years. It first aired on the BBC from 1989 to 1998, then was revived on ITV from 2014 to 2017.
There was also a Christmas special which came out in 2020, however Pauline did not appear due to the success of her acting school keeping her too busy.
Pauline's son, Charlie, is also an actor. He also appeared in Birds Of A Feather as Travis Stubbs, between 2014 and 2017.
In Emmerdale, Pauline played Hazel Rhodes across more than 200 episodes between 2010 and 2012. She was the mother of Jackson Walsh, who was involved in an assisted suicide storyline.
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
English (US) ·