Pauline Quirke's quiet life on canal boat with husband after devastating diagnosis

Actress Pauline Quirke has announced she will be retiring from acting following a dementia diagnosis in 2021 - but how will she spend her life away from the limelight? The 65-year-old has been on our screens for over 50 years, and shot to fame in her starring role as the spirited Sharon Theodopolopodous in classic BBC sitcom, Birds of a Feather, which ran from 1989-1998, and then again from 2014-2017.

During the show's hiatus, Pauline launched The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts in 2007, creating an extracurricular hub for young individuals aspiring to break into the entertainment industry. Her long-time friend and collaborator, Linda Robson, who played Pauline's sister, Tracy, in Birds of a Feather, last year claimed that Pauline had stepped back from the public eye after becoming a household name due to crippling stage fright, even declining appearances on live TV shows, reports The Mirror.

And now, her husband of almost 30 years, Steven Sheen, who worked as an executive producer on the revival of Birds of a Feather, has announced Pauline is living with dementia, and will be stepping back from her career. In a statement released today (Tuesday), he said: "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.

"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 Quirke Academy)."

Pauline has largely kept her private life out of the spotlight, but it is reported that the Hackney-born actress resides on a canal boat with her husband, Steven Sheen. The couple share a son, Charlie, 30, who featured in Birds of a Feather as the rebellious Travis. Pauline also has a daughter, Emily, 40, from a previous relationship, and is a proud grandmother.

Following the news of beloved actress Pauline's heartrending dementia diagnosis, Alzheimer's Research UK has extended heartfelt wishes to her and her family. Sharing a picture of Pauline and her husband Steve aboard their canal boat, the charity highlighted the couple's positive spirits.

Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Research UK, said on Tuesday: "We are saddened to hear of Pauline's diagnosis and send our best wishes to her, Steve, and the wider family. The family should be praised for making the brave decision to make her diagnosis public, which will not only provide more freedom for them, but also raise such vital awareness of the condition."