Charlie Quirke, the 31-year-old son of beloved Birds of a Feather star Pauline Quirke, appeared on Lorraine yesterday to provide a heartfelt update on his mother’s ongoing dementia battle.
The actor, who has followed his mum into the profession, reassured viewers despite the challenges of her condition, the 67-year-old is doing well.
Charlie was on the programme to lend his support to a fresh campaign from Alzheimer’s Research UK, a cause he has championed passionately since Pauline received her dementia diagnosis back in 2021.
The actress withdrew from public life following the diagnosis, with her final appearance being at Windsor Castle in February 2023, where she collected an MBE.
Pauline Quirke’s son Charlie has shared an update on his mother
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ITV LORRAINE
Speaking to Lorraine, Charlie painted a picture of a family determined to keep life as normal as possible.
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.”
He credited the strength of his family unit with helping them navigate the journey, adding: “We’ve got such a close family unit that it makes it easier on our journey. But touch wood, she’s happy.”
Pauline Quirke withdrew from public life following her dementia diagnosis
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Lorraine responded warmly, saying: “That’s the main thing, that she’s happy and she’s safe and she feels surrounded by people that love her.”
Charlie has so far raised approximately £330,000 for Alzheimer’s research through a series of gruelling physical challenges, among them a 150-kilometre trek and completing the London Marathon.
He tackled the marathon as part of “Team Quirke” alongside his fiancée Chloe Thornton and friend Jack O’Connell, with all proceeds going to Alzheimer’s Research UK.
During his Lorraine appearance, Charlie also discussed the charity’s latest brand campaign.
Charlie appeared on Lorraine to support Alzheimer’s Research UK
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ITV LORRAINE
“Alzheimer’s Research UK has made this brand campaign, and it’s putting a positive light on something that doesn’t have a lot of positivity around it,” he explained.
“We believe somewhere, someone alive today could be the first person to be cured of Alzheimer’s disease.”
Pauline’s career in television and film stretched across five decades, encompassing more than 60 productions.
She is perhaps most fondly remembered as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the long-running sitcom Birds of a Feather, which spanned nearly 30 years.
Pauline is best known for playing Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather
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Her dramatic range earned her a Bafta nomination for The Sculptress and she delivered a memorable turn as Susan Wright in ITV’s Broadchurch, alongside appearances in Emmerdale, Casualty and numerous other productions.
She was awarded an MBE in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours in 2022 for her work with young people and contributions to entertainment.
Charlie credited his family’s close bond with helping them navigate his mother’s dementia diagnosis
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Beyond acting, Pauline founded the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, which now operates around 250 academies serving more than 15,000 students nationwide.
Pauline married her husband, Steve, in 1996, and also has a 40-year-old daughter, Emily, from a previous relationship.