“WE’RE HOLDING ON TO EVERY PRECIOUS MOMENT” — PAULINE QUIRKE’S SON SHARES EMOTIONAL UPDATE ON HER DEMENTIA JOURNEY
The beloved British actress continues to live with dementia, but her son Charlie says the family is making the most of every day together. From simple lunches to watching football, they are holding close to the moments that still bring her happiness.
For the family of beloved actress Pauline Quirke, life has become a journey of taking each day as it comes.
The Birds of a Feather star was diagnosed with dementia in 2021, a revelation her family made public in January 2025. Since then, Pauline has stepped away from her acting career, while her husband and children have focused on supporting her through the illness.
Now, her son Charlie Quirke has offered another glimpse into how the family is coping — and why even the simplest moments have become so meaningful.
Speaking about his mother during an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine in September 2026, Charlie reassured viewers that Pauline was doing well.
“Mum, she’s great. Every day is different,” he explained.
He added that the family still tries to enjoy everyday activities together, including going out for lunch and watching football.
The family, he said, remains close, and that support makes their journey easier.
THE SIMPLE MOMENTS THAT MEAN EVERYTHING
For Charlie, the most important thing is not allowing the illness to take away the happiness Pauline can still experience.
He explained that the family continues to spend time together whenever possible, making ordinary days feel special.
Pauline’s husband, Steve Sheen, and their loved ones have previously spoken about how difficult it can be to understand the progression of dementia.
In November 2025, Charlie revealed that his mother still recognised her family.
He recalled how she would smile, laugh and tell them she loved them whenever they visited.
Those moments have become especially precious to the people closest to her.
A DIAGNOSIS THAT CHANGED THE FAMILY’S WORLD
Pauline’s family first became concerned in November 2020, when she struggled to learn lines for an acting role.
Her husband, Steve, recalled that she phoned him after trying to read a script because the words were no longer going in.
The family initially struggled to believe what was happening. They wondered whether her difficulties might be connected to long COVID or another temporary illness.
But Pauline was diagnosed with dementia in 2021.
In January 2025, Steve announced that she would retire from all professional and commercial duties, asking the public to respect the family’s privacy during a deeply personal time.
CHARLIE IS TURNING HIS MOTHER’S STORY INTO HOPE FOR OTHERS
Rather than keeping the family’s experience entirely private, Charlie has also chosen to use his mother’s journey to support dementia research.
He has become an ambassador for Alzheimer’s Research UK and has taken on fundraising challenges to help support the search for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
His efforts have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for dementia research.
For Charlie, the cause is deeply personal.
He has spoken openly about the heartbreak of knowing that there is currently no cure for dementia and the uncertainty families face after receiving a diagnosis.
His message is that research can offer hope to countless families who are going through similar experiences.
A FAMILY CHOOSING LOVE, ONE DAY AT A TIME
Pauline Quirke is remembered by audiences for her decades-long career, particularly her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the much-loved sitcom Birds of a Feather.
But away from television, her family remembers her as a mother, wife and someone whose warmth has touched the people around her.
Her diagnosis has changed many things, but Charlie’s latest update offers a reminder that the family’s connection remains important.
They cannot control how the illness progresses. What they can do is spend time together, share a meal, watch a football match and appreciate the moments they still have.
For Pauline’s loved ones, those ordinary moments are anything but ordinary.
They are the memories and connections they are determined to cherish.
