Pauline Quirke diagnosed with dementia as she steps away from acting

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Birds Of A Feather star Pauline Quirke has been diagnosed with dementia, her husband Steven Sheen has confirmed. The 65-year-old star, who played Sharon Theodopolopodous in the original series of the show and its revival between 2014 and 2017, is set to "step away from all commercial and professional duties" to spend more time with her family, reports the Mirror.Pauline, also known for her role in Emmerdale, Broadchurch and The Sculptress, won the Best TV Comedy Newcomer at the British Comedy Awards in 100- for her role in Birds Of A Feather, originally on BBC One.Pauline, alongside Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph all reprised their roles when the sitcom returned to screens - this time to ITV - in 2014.Now, Pauline is set to take a break from acting across TV, film and stage.

Steve said in a statement: "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 married TV producer Stece in 1996 and praised his partner's versatility in his touching statement, noting she's played comedic characters, loyal heroes and powerful matriarchs over the decades.

The statement, as seen by Mail Online, added: "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.