The 65-year-old actress, finest identified for taking part in Sharon Theodopolopodous within the hit comedy sitcom Birds of a Feather, was identified with the situation in 2021.
In a press release launched right this moment (Tuesday) Steve Sheen, who has been married to Pauline since 1996, mentioned it was “with a heavy coronary heart” that she was stepping again from her skilled and business duties due to her prognosis.
Steve added: “We’re deeply grateful for the assist of her friends, the general public and the devoted employees and Principals at PQA [Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts].
“We kindly request privateness and understanding for Pauline and our household throughout this tough interval. Pauline simply needs to spend time together with her household, youngsters and grandchildren.”
Pauline and Steve have pledged future assist to Alzheimer’s Analysis UK and shall be working alongside the charity to drive funds for analysis and consciousness of dementia.
Steve mentioned: “We’re very pleased with what our household pal Scott Mitchell is doing with Alzheimer’s Analysis UK in his late spouse Dame Barbara Windsor’s title. So, once we really feel ready, we can even align ourselves with the charity.”
Pauline stays one of the crucial recognisable stars of British comedy, with Birds of a Feather attracting almost 20 million viewers at its peak. The present premiered on the BBC from 1989 till 1998 earlier than being resurrected by ITV in 2014 the place it continued for an additional six years.
With a profession spanning over 50 years, Pauline has starred in additional than 60 TV and movie productions, together with a BAFTA-nominated efficiency in The Sculptress. She has additionally had roles in Broadchurch, Carrie’s Conflict, North and South, Casualty, Chilly Blood, My Household and Emmerdale.
Pauline was awarded an MBE within the late Queen’s remaining Birthday Honours, in recognition of her work with younger individuals, contributions to leisure and dedication to charitable causes.
If nothing adjustments, one in two individuals shall be straight affected by dementia – both by growing the situation themselves, caring for somebody with it, or each. Alzheimer’s Analysis UK is striving for a remedy for dementia by revolutionising the way in which the situation is handled, identified and prevented.
Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Government of Alzheimer’s Analysis UK, mentioned: “We’re saddened to listen to of Pauline’s prognosis and ship our greatest needs to her, Steve and the broader household. The household needs to be praised for making the courageous choice to make her prognosis public, which won’t solely present extra freedom for them, but in addition elevate such important consciousness of the situation.
“We’re so grateful that Pauline and Steve have pledged to assist our work when the time is correct. We look ahead to working with them to lift additional consciousness of dementia and funds for analysis.”
For extra details about dementia, name Alzheimer’s Analysis UK’s Infoline on 0300 111 5111, 9am-5pm Monday to Friday, or electronic mail infoline@alzheimersresearchuk.org. Alternatively, go to www.alzheimersresearchuk.org.