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Former Emmerdale star to 'step back' from duties following dementia diagnosis

Tuesday, 21 January 2025 08:00

Pauline Quirke MBE was diagnosed with Dementia in 2021.

Much-loved actress Pauline Quirke MBE is set to "step back" from professional and commercial duties due to her Dementia diagnosis.

Pauline’s husband, Steve Sheen, has revealed the news in a statement on his wife’s behalf.

Pauline, who is best known for Birds of a Feather and Emmerdale, was diagnosed with dementia in 2021.

She launched the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) in 2007, which has a location in Harrogate, to support children with a diverse range of classes in Film and Television, Comedy and Drama, and Musical Theatre.

PQA has approximately 250 academies and over 15,000 students across the UK.

Steve called his wife “an inspiration” and asked fans for “compassion and respect” during this challenging time.

He said:

“Pauline’s 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.”

In 2022, Pauline was awarded an MBE in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours.

Steve added:

“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.

“We are deeply grateful for the support from her peers, the public, and the dedicated staff and Principals at PQA.”

Pauline is best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous from Birds of a Feather, the hilarious sitcom that ran for nearly 30 years.

She also had a BAFTA-nominated role in The Sculptress and appeared as the mysterious Susan Wright in ITV’s Broadchurch.

Pauline played Hazel Rhodes on ITV soap opera Emmerdale from 2010 until 2012.

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