Despite her ongoing battle with dementia, actress Pauline Quirke made a rare public appearance.
Her husband, Steve Sheen, announced today that the 65-year-old actress was diagnosed with the condition in 2021 and she has since decided to step back from all work commitments.
Although she's had roles in Emmerdale, Broadchurch and The Sculptress, she's most recognised for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the ITV sitcom, Birds of a Feather, which aired from October 1989 until December 1998 and then again from January 2, 2014, to December 24, 2020.
Despite her health struggles, Pauline attended a special ceremony at Windsor Castle on February 1, 2023.
The Hackney-born actress was awarded an MBE in the 2022 Birthday Honours for services to young people, the entertainment industry and charity. In addition to her acting career, she launched The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts in 2017, establishing over 200 branches across the UK for young people aspiring to work in the entertainment industry.
At the ceremony, Pauline received her honour from Prince William, smiling brightly despite her personal challenges as she posed for a photo inside the quadrangle of the Castle, proudly holding her award. .
Earlier on Tuesday, Pauline's husband Steve revealed that the actress would be withdrawing from all public roles due to her condition. In a heartfelt statement, Steve shared: "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 is perhaps best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous from Birds of a Feather, the hilarious sitcom that ran for nearly 30 years.
"In drama, her BAFTA-nominated role in The Sculptress, was outstanding, as was her role as the mysterious Susan Wright in ITV's Broadchurch. Demonstrating her acting versatility, she also starred or appeared in more than 60 TV and film productions, including Carrie's War, North and South, Casualty, Cold Blood, Thieving Headmistress, My Family, You, Me and the Apocalypse, and of course Emmerdale."
He further stated: "During her epic 50 year career, Pauline has been nominated for many awards, including Best TV Comedy Actress in the British Comedy Awards, Best Newcomer in the British Soap Awards and has received multiple nominations for Most Popular Actress and Most Popular Comedy Performer in the National Television Awards.
"In 2022, Pauline was awarded an MBE in the late Queen's final Birthday Honours. It was a heartfelt recognition of her incredible work with young people, her contributions to entertainment, and her dedication to charitable causes.
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"Her acting career has now come to a close, but Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), with its network of approximately 250 academies and over 15,000 students across the UK, remains robust and will continue to operate as normal in accordance with Pauline's ideology. Our experienced senior leadership team will maintain the Academies' success and growth, building on the foundations, ethos and philosophy that Pauline has inspired from the beginning in 2007.
"We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period. For the time being we will not be engaging in interviews or making further statements, since Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren. We are deeply grateful for the support from her peers, the public, and the dedicated staff and Principals at PQA."
Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, expressed heartfelt concern on Tuesday: "We are saddened to hear of Pauline's diagnosis and send our best wishes to her, Steve and the wider family.
"The family should be praised for making the brave decision to make her diagnosis public, which will not only provide more freedom for them, but also raise such vital awareness of the condition."
She continued, acknowledging their support: "We're so grateful that Pauline and Steve have pledged to support our work when the time is right. We look forward to working with them to raise further awareness of dementia and funds for research."
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