Pauline Quirke's son shares heartfelt tribute as Birds of a Feather star steps back due to dementia diagnosis

Pauline Quirke, has shared a poignant message about his mother following the revelation of her secret dementia diagnosis.

This week, Steve Sheen, husband to the Birds of a Feather star, sadly announced that Pauline will be "stepping away from all commercial and professional duties" to focus on family time.

In a heartfelt statement, Steve 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."

Pauline is most recognised for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the original series of Birds of a Feather and its revival between 2014 and 2017, alongside Linda Robson.

In February 2023, Pauline made what would become her last public appearance before disclosing her dementia diagnosis.

She was honoured with an MBE in the late Queen's final Birthday Honours for services to young people, the entertainment industry and charity. The award was presented by Prince William at the ceremony, where Pauline radiated joy as he placed the medal on her chest.

The actress was all smiles for the occasion, posing for a photo inside the quadrangle of the Castle, proudly holding her honour, reports the Mirror.

Charlie beamed with pride as he took to social media to honour his mum Pauline after she was awarded an MBE for her contribution to charity, young people, and the entertainment industry.

He posted a touching photo of Pauline on his account alongside a heartfelt caption: "To my beautiful mum. I can't start to tell you how proud I am of my mum getting her MBE today. Her services to charity, young people and the entertainment industry. To the most selfless, funniest and most caring person I know. Mad day to be honest. Here's to you mum."

Back in 2017, Pauline established The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts nationwide, creating an opportunity for youngsters keen on performing arts careers. Today, over 200 branches exist throughout the UK.

Pauline's husband also released a statement this week, lavishing praise on her impressive array of accomplishments. He expressed: "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 continued: "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.

"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."

Steve requested for privacy during this challenging period, stating that the actress "just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren".

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