Fans of British television were heartbroken to learn that Pauline Quirke, best known for her role in Birds of a Feather, is now struggling to recognize her own family as her battle with dementia progresses.

Her husband, Steve Sheen, revealed last month that Pauline, now 65, had been privately living with the disease for four years.

He shared that she would be stepping away from all professional and commercial commitments to focus on her health.

Now, Maurice Glen, one of the co-writers of Birds of a Feather, has provided a sad update, confirming that her condition has “gathered pace.”

The Impact on Family and Friends

Maurice, who worked closely with Pauline on the hit sitcom, expressed his sadness, saying, “She’s still so young at 65, and your heart just goes out to her.

In the beginning, she sensed she was losing her grip, but now, we understand she struggles to recognize members of her own family.”

Pauline has been married to TV producer Steve Sheen since 1996.

The couple shares a son, Charlie, 30, and Pauline also has a daughter, Emily, 40, from a previous relationship.

Maurice also revealed that Lesley Joseph, another Birds of a Feather star, reached out to him before Steve’s public statement.

“Lesley called and asked if Steve had been in touch.

I told her no, and she said, ‘Well, he’s going public about Pauline to put an end to all the speculation.’”

A Career That Left a Lasting Impact

Rumors of tension between Pauline and her longtime co-star Linda Robson surfaced when Pauline left Birds of a Feather in 2017.

Her character, Sharon Theodopolopodous, was noticeably absent from the 2020 Christmas special, which aired just a year before her dementia diagnosis.

Reflecting on her talent, Maurice Glen shared his admiration for Pauline’s acting abilities, saying, “I’ve always said that Pauline’s talent made our words sound better. It couldn’t be sadder.”

Family’s Heartfelt Gratitude

Despite the devastating news, Pauline’s son, Charlie, took to Instagram to express his gratitude for the overwhelming support from fans.

Sharing a heartfelt message alongside a photo with his mother, he wrote:

“Hi all, I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all your messages of support, kind words about my beautiful mum, and the stories you’ve shared.

As a family, we are truly moved and touched by them. They have put a smile on all of our faces.

We appreciate every single one of you. Thank you.”

A Nation’s Love and Support

Pauline Quirke has been a beloved figure in British entertainment for decades, and her fans, friends, and co-stars continue to rally around her during this challenging time.

While her diagnosis is heartbreaking, her legacy as an actress and entertainer will always remain cherished.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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