Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke reveals dementia diagnosis
Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke has been diagnosed with dementia, it has been announced.
The star, who is well known for appearing in the beloved sitcom alongside Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph, will "step back from all professional and commercial duties" following the diagnosis.
In a statement, Pauline's husband Steve Sheen 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)."
He added that Pauline's "acting career has now come to a close", though PQA "remains robust and will continue to operate as normal in accordance with Pauline’s ideology".
"We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period," he continued.
"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."
Pauline starred in her sketch show Pauline's Quirkes in 1976, before playing the role of Sharon Theodopolopodous on Bird of a Feather in the 1980s and 1990s, and again in the 2010s.
She also starred as Hazel Rhodes on Emmerdale between 2010 and 2012, and received a BAFTA nomination for her role as Olive Martin in the BBC's The Sculptress.
In a statement, Alzheimer’s Research UK chief executive Hilary Evans-Newton said: "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.
"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."
More information about dementia is available via organisations including the NHS and Dementia UK. Resources for readers in the US are available via the National Institutes of Health.
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