Four years after being diagnosed with dementia, Pauline Quirke—the beloved British actress known for Birds of a Feather, Emmerdale, and Broadchurch—remains joyful, engaged, and unmistakably herself, according to her husband Steve Sheen and son Charlie Quirke. In a rare, emotional appearance on BBC BreakfastBroadcasting House on November 17, 2025, the family offered the most detailed public account of her condition since her official retirement in January 2025. What emerged wasn’t a story of loss, but of enduring love—and a quiet revolution in how dementia is understood at home.
"She’s Still the Funniest Person I Know"
Steve Sheen, 68, who has been married to Quirke for 29 years, recalled the moment her memory began to slip. It was November 2020. She was trying to learn lines for a new project when she called him, voice trembling: "The words are not going in." At first, they blamed stress, fatigue, even long COVID. "We looked at each other and went, 'Can't be, it's long COVID. Got the flu.'" But by 2021, the diagnosis came: dementia. "I was quite surprised that this was possible for a woman in her sixties," Sheen admitted on air. "It can happen to people in their fifties, their forties. You just don’t expect it." Now, four years later, the family says she’s still laughing. Still saying "I love you." Still recognizing every face at the dinner table. "My mum knows exactly who we are," Charlie Quirke, 31, said with quiet pride. "Every time she sees all of us, she smiles, laughs, says 'I love you', says 'hello'." He called her his best friend. "Her condition has not changed that." The uncertainty, though, is crushing. "We don’t know," Sheen said, his voice cracking slightly. "Is it four years, eight years, 10 years, 12 years, 20? Who knows?" That’s the cruel reality of dementia—no one gives you a map. No one says how fast the light dims.Retirement and the Quiet Shift to Advocacy
In January 2025, Sheen issued a formal statement announcing Quirke’s retirement from all professional and commercial duties. "It is with a heavy heart," he wrote, "that I announce my wife Pauline's decision to step back... We kindly request privacy and understanding." For over a year, the family honored that request. No interviews. No public appearances. Just quiet moments at home. But on November 17, something shifted. They didn’t break their silence to seek sympathy. They came forward to fight. Charlie Quirke announced he’s preparing a major fundraising challenge for Alzheimer's Research UK, the London-based charity headquartered at 330 Euston Road, NW1 3JN. The organization, founded in 1992 and registered as charity number 1077089, funds critical research into dementia’s causes, prevention, and treatment. "Pauline, Steve, and the rest of their family had pledged future support," Charlie said, "and we’re going to drive funds for research and awareness." It’s a powerful pivot—from private struggle to public mission. The family’s decision to speak now isn’t about fame. It’s about changing the narrative. Too often, dementia is portrayed as a slow erasure. But in Quirke’s case, it’s a reminder that personality, warmth, and humor can endure—even when memory falters.Why This Matters Beyond One Family
Pauline Quirke isn’t just an actress. She’s one of the UK’s most recognizable faces from decades of television. Her diagnosis, and now her family’s openness, shines a light on a condition that affects over 900,000 people in Britain alone—and that number is rising. The average age of diagnosis is 68, but cases in people under 65—known as early-onset dementia—are increasing. Sheen’s surprise at her diagnosis reflects a broader societal blind spot: dementia isn’t just an "old person’s disease." It’s unpredictable. It doesn’t wait. Experts say public stories like this one are vital. "When someone with visibility shares their journey, it chips away at stigma," said Dr. Eleanor Maitland, a neurologist at University College London. "It helps families feel less alone. It pushes policymakers to fund research. It reminds everyone: the person is still there." Quirke’s story also underscores a quiet truth: caregiving isn’t a job—it’s a lifelong commitment. Sheen hasn’t stepped away from his role as husband. He’s simply changed how he shows up. He still jokes with her. Still listens when she repeats the same story. Still holds her hand.What’s Next for the Quirke Family
Charlie Quirke’s fundraising challenge—details still being finalized—is expected to launch in early 2026. It will involve a multi-week endurance event, possibly cycling or walking across parts of southern England, with proceeds going directly to Alzheimer’s Research UK. The family has confirmed they will not seek media coverage beyond the initial announcement, keeping focus on the cause, not themselves. Meanwhile, Quirke continues to live at home with Sheen, surrounded by photos, music, and the voices of her children and grandchildren. "She still loves the sound of her own name," Sheen said with a small, knowing smile. "And she still laughs at my terrible jokes." That’s the real victory here—not in the absence of disease, but in the persistence of connection.Frequently Asked Questions
How common is dementia in people under 65?
Around 42,000 people in the UK under 65 live with early-onset dementia, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK. Though less common than late-onset forms, it’s rising—particularly linked to genetic factors, vascular health, and lifestyle. Pauline Quirke’s diagnosis at 66 falls just within the typical window, but her case highlights that no one is immune.
What does it mean when someone with dementia still recognizes loved ones?
Recognizing family members often persists longer than memory for names or dates. Emotional memory—how someone makes you feel—can remain intact even when factual memory fades. This is why Quirke still smiles at her son and says "I love you." It’s not about remembering the last conversation; it’s about feeling the bond.
Why did the family break their silence after years of privacy?
They didn’t break silence to gain attention—they did it to fuel change. After seeing how little public understanding existed about dementia’s variability, they chose advocacy over silence. Their goal is to help others avoid the isolation they felt early on, and to push for more research funding through Alzheimer’s Research UK.
How can people support Alzheimer’s Research UK?
Donations can be made directly through their website, or via upcoming community challenges like Charlie Quirke’s. The charity also runs volunteer programs, memory walks, and peer support networks. Since 1992, they’ve funded over £250 million in dementia research—making them the UK’s largest funder of dementia science.
What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?
Dementia is an umbrella term for cognitive decline, while Alzheimer’s is the most common cause—making up 60-70% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body, and frontotemporal. Quirke’s family hasn’t disclosed the specific type, but Alzheimer’s Research UK funds research into all forms. The key is: no matter the label, the human experience of living with it remains deeply personal.
Has Pauline Quirke ever spoken publicly about her diagnosis?
No. Since her diagnosis in 2021, she has not given interviews or made public statements. Her family speaks on her behalf, always emphasizing that her voice—her joy, her laughter—is still present, even if she doesn’t speak to cameras. They say she prefers quiet moments with family, and they honor that.
