Actress Pauline Quirke is to step away from the public eye, after being diagnosed with dementia.
This was confirmed by Quirke's husband Steve Sheen, who said that Pauline will leave "all professional and commercial duties". She was diagnosed with dementia in 2021.
In a statement, Steve Sheen spoke about his wife's diagnosis for the first time.
"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," he said.
"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. "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".
Much celebrated actress, Pauline Quirke is renowned for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous, in long-running sitcom, Birds of a Feather, which saw her pick up a British Comedy Award.
In 2022, Quirke was also awarded an MBE, in recognition of her work with charities, and young people, as well as contributions to the entertainment industry. Her other credits include, Broadchurch, Emmerdale, and The Sculptress.
"Her acting career has now come to a close, but 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," Sheen said.
"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".
Steve Sheen, who had been married to Quirke since 1996, also took this opportunity to praise Scott Mitchell, husband of the late actress Barbara Windsor , for his work with charity, Alzheimer's UK.
He also added: "When we feel able, we will also align ourselves with the charity".
The charity also said that the couple have "pledged future support to Alzheimer's Research UK and will be working alongside the charity to drive funds for research and awareness of dementia".
