PAULINE Quirke’s son Charlie has shared a heartfelt message after his TV star mum’s dementia diagnosis.
The Birds of a Feather actress’s husband, Steve, revealed Pauline’s 2021 diagnosis to the public this week.
Pauline will now retire from acting and the running of her performing arts schools.
Charlie, 30, has responded to the outpouring of love and support from the 65-year-old’s fans.
He wrote on Instagram: “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.”
After the diagnosis was made public this week, a tribute Charlie made to his mum while she secretly lived with the condition resurfaced.
He took to Instagram on the day she was awarded her MBE for services to charity and the entertainment industry.
In February 2023, the Birds Of A Feather actress met Prince William to receive the honour at Windsor Castle.
Pauline was originally awarded the medal in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours in 2022.
Charlie wrote at the time: “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 & the entertainment industry. To the most selfless, funniest and most caring person I know.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Pauline Quirke: A Legacy Beyond the Screen” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6367429540112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]“Mad day to be honest. Here’s to you mum.”
The actress is best known for her character as Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather, which ran on the BBC and then ITV across nearly 30 years.
She was nominated for a number of BAFTA Awards for her roles in The Sculptress and ITV’s Broadchurch.
In total, Pauline appeared in more than 60 TV and films, which also included Emmerdale and Casualty.
A statement from her husband Steve revealing the diagnosis read: “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).
“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.”
