Pauline Quirke’s son Charlie has opened up about being “moved” by the tributes and messages of support for his mother after Monday’s (Janaury 20) announcement she is .
Her husband Steve Sheen revealed on Monday that the Birds of a Feather star, 65, is set to “step away from all commercial and professional duties,” following a dementia diagnosis in 2021.
Charlie, 30, took to his stories on Thursday to address the events of recent days. He shared a sweet snap with his mother as he spoke about her diagnosis for the first time.
“Hi all, I just wanted to say a massive thank you to all of you for your messages of support, kind words about my beautiful mum and stories you have.
“We, as a family are very moved and touched by all of them, and they have put a smile on all of our faces. We appreciate each and everyone of you. Thank you,” the reports.
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Pauline Quirke’s son Charlie has opened up about his mother’s dementia diagnosis (Image: Getty)
Pauline was best known for her long running role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the sitcom Birds of a Feather, in which she starred alongside She also found fame in soap playing Hazel Rhodes from 2010-2012.
Charlie starred opposite his mother when Birds of a Feather was rebooted by ITV in 2014 playing her nephew Travis Stubbs.
The revamped show ran on the channel for three series and two Christmas specials. However, Pauline declined to appear in the 2020 festive offering after saying she was taking a step back from acting to focus on her performing arts academy.
On Monday, her husband of almost 30 years 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.”
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Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis was made public this week (Image: Getty)
“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.”
He went on to praise her various roles, before adding: “In 2022, Pauline was awarded an MBE in the late 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.”