Pauline Quirke’s son Charlie has said his mother is “happy” as he offered an update on her life with dementia during an appearance on Lorraine.
The actress, 67, stepped away from acting after being diagnosed with dementia in 2021. Charlie, 31, who has also pursued a career in television and film, was speaking as he supported a new Alzheimer’s Research UK campaign.
Asked about his mother’s health, he said: “She’s great. 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.”
Charlie said the family’s closeness had helped them cope, adding: “We’ve got such a close family unit that it makes it easier on our journey. But touch wood, she’s happy.”
Presenter Lorraine Kelly replied that Pauline’s happiness and safety were the most important things, saying she was surrounded by people who loved her.
Charlie has raised about £330,000 for dementia research through a series of fundraising challenges, including a 150km trek and the London Marathon. He completed the marathon alongside his fiancée Chloe Thornton and friends in a team formed in his mother’s honour.
Speaking about Alzheimer’s Research UK’s latest campaign, Charlie said it offered a positive message about a condition that was often associated with fear and uncertainty.
“We believe somewhere, someone alive today could be the first person to be cured of Alzheimer’s disease,” he said.
Pauline’s family announced her diagnosis publicly in January 2025, with her husband Steve saying she would no longer undertake professional or commercial work and wanted to spend time with her family, including her children and grandchildren.
Her final public appearance came in February 2023, when she received an MBE at Windsor Castle. The honour recognised her long career in entertainment, charitable work and support for young people through the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts.
Pauline is best known for playing Sharon Theodopolopodous in the sitcom Birds of a Feather, which ran for almost three decades. She also appeared in Emmerdale and Broadchurch, and received a Bafta nomination for her performance in The Sculptress.
She has acted in more than 60 television and film productions, including Carrie’s War, North and South, Casualty, My Family and You, Me and the Apocalypse.
Charlie appeared in the revival of Birds of a Feather in 2014. Pauline and Steve, who married in 1996, also have a daughter, Emily, from a previous relationship.
