Pauline Quirke 'ignored' painful health battle while filming BBC drama series

Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke secretly endured pain while filming for one of her BBC dramas. The 65-year-old actress suffered for over a year before seeking medical help.

Sadly, Pauline was diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and has had to step back from acting due to her deteriorating condition.

Her husband, Steve Sheen, announced: "'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."

In 2008, while filming the BBC drama series Missing, Pauline began experiencing severe leg pain, reports the Mirror.

Concerned about how it would affect her portrayal of Det. Supt. Mary Jane Croft, she consulted her GP. Despite previously ignoring various aches on her right side and resorting to paracetamol, the Broadchurch star decided to seek help.

Pauline's life took a drastic turn when she suffered a severe fall after visiting one of her drama schools.

"I was talking to one of the children's mothers, and as I turned away I slipped and fell badly. A couple of weeks later, I developed a terrible pain in my right knee, which was so bad it would keep me awake at night," she revealed to MailOnline.

Initially, Pauline thought the pain would subside, but instead, she found herself asking her director if she could limit her movements in scenes. "I knew I had to see a doctor," she admitted.

Following a referral to a knee specialist, X-rays revealed that her hip was the source of her pain, with no cartilage between the socket and cup. A specialist diagnosed her with osteoarthritis, a condition where the protective cartilage on the ends of bones breaks down, causing pain, swelling, and mobility issues.

Pauline was shocked by the diagnosis and even more so when told she needed a hip replacement, which left her in tears. A year later, she underwent the operation and finally found relief from the pain.

Her recovery was a long and challenging process, requiring crutches and movement exercises. Weighing 17 stone at the time, Pauline was advised to lose weight to alleviate strain on her joints.

"I haven't bothered before, but I know it will be better for the joint if I do, so I shall try," she said. "But apart from being fat, I'm in pretty good condition."

The Emmerdale favourite struggled with her weight for years but turned a corner when she lost a remarkable nine stone in 2011 after adopting the LighterLife programme that involved cutting out sugar, abstaining from alcohol, and integrating light exercises into her everyday life.

Her journey wasn't without its challenges as she found it hard to keep the weight off, but she took control of her health once more in 2017 following medical advice about her risky drinking habits potentially leading to diabetes.

She opened up to The Sun, saying: "I've stopped weighing myself but I think I've lost about two and a half stone. I've gone from a 16 to 18 dress size down to a 12 to 14."

Pauline, who married husband Steve in 1996, shares two children; Charlie, 30, who has followed in her acting footsteps, and daughter Emily, 40, from a previous relationship.

In a statement shared with Mail Online, Steve paid tribute to his wife's impressive career and her decision to take a step back from acting, noting: "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.

"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."

Although Quirke's acting career has ended, the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) remains strong. With around 250 academies and over 15,000 students across the UK, PQA will continue to operate as usual, following Pauline's vision.

"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," a statement from the organisation reads.

"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."

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