Actor Charlie Quirke has shared an update on his mother Pauline Quirke's life with dementia, saying she remains happy after stepping away from the spotlight.
The 31-year-old discussed the 67-year-old television star's health on Wednesday during an appearance on ITV's Lorraine, where he was backing a new campaign for Alzheimer's Research UK.
His mother, who is best known for her long-running role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the sitcom Birds of a Feather, was diagnosed with dementia in 2021.
"She's great," he told host Lorraine Kelly. "Every day is different, it's part of our journey. We still do as much as we can, we still go out for lunch. I think you've seen us down the River Thames on the boat. I made her sit through the West Ham win last night."
"We've got such a close family unit that it makes it easier on our journey. But touch wood, she's happy."
Kelly replied: "That's the main thing, that she's happy and she's safe and she feels surrounded by people that love her."
Fundraising efforts
Charlie, who followed his mother into acting and appeared alongside her in the 2014 revival of Birds of a Feather, has raised around £330,000 and counting for Alzheimer's research.
His fundraising efforts have included a 150km (93 miles) trek and completing the London Marathon over the summer. He ran the marathon as part of "Team Quirke" alongside his fiancée Chloe Thornton and his friend Jack O'Connell.
Speaking about the charity's new initiative, he said: "Alzheimer's Research UK has made this brand campaign, and it's putting a positive light on something that doesn't have a lot of positivity around it. We believe somewhere, someone alive today could be the first person to be cured of Alzheimer's disease."
Stepping back from acting
Pauline's last public appearance was in February 2023, when she visited Windsor Castle to receive an MBE.
Her husband Steve, whom she married in 1996, released a statement revealing her diagnosis for the first time.
"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," he said.
"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 people's progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence."
A 50 year career
"Pauline is perhaps best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous from Birds of a Feather, the hilarious sitcom that ran for nearly 30 years," Steve said.
"In drama, her BAFTA-nominated role in The Sculptress was outstanding, as was her role as the mysterious Susan Wright in ITV's Broadchurch."
"Demonstrating her acting versatility, she also starred or appeared in more than 60 TV and film productions, including Carrie's War, North and South, Casualty, Cold Blood, Thieving Headmistress, My Family, You, Me and the Apocalypse, and of course Emmerdale."
He added: "During her epic 50 year career, Pauline has been nominated for many awards, including Best TV Comedy Actress in the British Comedy Awards, Best Newcomer in the British Soap Awards and has received multiple nominations for Most Popular Actress and Most Popular Comedy Performer in the National Television Awards."
In 2022, she was awarded an MBE in the late Queen's 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," Steve said.
Academy legacy
"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," he continued.
"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."
"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," he added.
The actress also has a 40-year-old daughter, Emily, from a previous relationship.
Understanding dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, which are conditions affecting the brain. According to the Alzheimer's Society, there are many different types, of which Alzheimer's disease is the most common.
Some people may have a combination of types, and regardless of the diagnosis, each person will experience the condition in their own unique way.
It is a global concern but is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age. The Alzheimer's Society reports there are more than one million people living with dementia in the UK today, including more than 500,000 who have Alzheimer's.
It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK will rise to more than 1.4 million by 2040. As a person's age increases, so does the risk of them developing the condition.
While rates of diagnosis are improving, many people with dementia are thought to still be undiagnosed.
Currently there is no cure, but new drugs can slow down its progression, and treatments are more effective the earlier the disease is spotted.
