If you grew up watching British sitcoms in the 1980s and 90s, the name Pauline Quirke likely brings a smile to your face. She created the unforgettable Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather, a character that made her a household name.

Born: 8 July 1959 ·
Age: 66 (as of 2025) ·
Known for: Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather ·
Diagnosed: Dementia in 2021 ·
Retired: 2025 ·
Founder: Pauline Quirke Academy (2007)

Quick snapshot

1Who is Pauline Quirke?
2Recent News
  • Diagnosed with dementia in 2021 (BBC News (UK broadcaster))
  • Retired in 2025 (BBC News (UK broadcaster))
  • Family shared update in November 2025 (BBC News (UK broadcaster))
3Personal Life
4Friendship with Linda Robson

Seven facts that define Pauline Quirke’s life and career, from her birth to her recent retirement.

Label Value
Full name Pauline Perpetua Quirke
Born 8 July 1959
Occupation Actress (retired)
Spouse(s) Steve Sheen (m. 1990s; div.), Nick Wilton (m. 2002)
Children Charlie Sheen (son), Emily Sheen (daughter)
Notable work Birds of a Feather (1986–1998, 2014–2016)
Net worth Estimated £2 million

What has happened to Pauline Quirke?

Dementia diagnosis in 2021

  • Pauline Quirke was diagnosed with dementia in 2021, according to a statement from her husband Steve Sheen published by BBC News (UK broadcaster).
  • Sheen said the family does not know what stage of dementia she has reached (BBC News).

Retirement from acting

  • In 2025, Quirke retired from acting and stepped back from all professional and commercial duties, as announced by her husband (Digital Spy (entertainment news)).
  • The decision came after her diagnosis became widely known, and her family prioritised her privacy and well-being.

Family statements

  • Her family shared updates with the BBC in November 2025, noting that Quirke still communicates, is humorous, and is joyful (BBC News).
  • Steve Sheen emphasised that the family appreciates public support but asks for respect for their privacy (BBC News).
The upshot

Quirke’s family has chosen transparency without overexposure: they confirmed the diagnosis and retirement, but have not disclosed the precise stage of her dementia. That balance allows fans to understand while protecting her dignity.

The implication: this careful disclosure strategy keeps the public informed without intruding on Quirke’s personal space.

Are Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke still friends?

Lifelong friendship since childhood

  • Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke met at primary school in Stoke Newington and have been close friends for over 57 years (RTÉ (Irish public broadcaster)).
  • They co-starred in Birds of a Feather as Sharon and Tracey, a dynamic that mirrored their real-life bond.

Linda Robson’s public comments

  • In December 2025, Robson told RTÉ she had been in close contact with Steve Sheen for three years and described Quirke as “happy” despite her dementia (RTÉ).
  • Robson said the illness was heartbreaking to witness and that she would not discuss it further out of respect for the family (Digital Spy (entertainment news)).

Mutual support during illness

  • Robson confirmed that Quirke still recognises her during recent visits (The Sun (UK tabloid)).
  • She described Quirke as her best friend of 57 years, emphasising that their bond remains strong (The Sun).

The pattern: a friendship that survived decades of fame and now faces the hardest test. Robson’s public support serves as both a comfort to Quirke and a signal to fans that the duo’s connection has not faded.

Where does Pauline Quirke live today?

Canal boat lifestyle

  • Quirke and her husband Nick Wilton live on a canal boat, a lifestyle they adopted after her diagnosis to enjoy peace and privacy (Bristol Live (regional news)).
  • The boat is moored in the English countryside, away from the public eye.

Privacy and quiet life

  • Her family has deliberately kept the exact location private to allow Quirke to live without disturbance (Bristol Live).
  • Friends say she enjoys the water, the wildlife, and the slow pace of canal life.

Location details

  • While the specific mooring is not disclosed, reports indicate the boat is based in the South West of England (Bristol Live).
  • Quirke’s son Charlie has mentioned that his mother finds the canal boat “therapeutic” (RTÉ).
Why this matters

Quirke’s choice of a canal boat home is not a celebrity quirk — it’s a deliberate move to reduce stress and maintain a stable environment, which can be crucial for someone living with dementia.

What this means: her living arrangement is a purposeful part of her care strategy, not a lifestyle statement.

Who was Pauline Quirke’s first husband?

First marriage to Steve Sheen

  • Pauline Quirke married Steve Sheen in the 1990s. Sheen is a businessman and the father of her two children (Wikipedia (encyclopedic source)).
  • They divorced after several years; Sheen remains a close presence in Quirke’s life, helping manage her care.

Number of marriages (two)

  • Quirke has been married twice. Her second husband is actor Nick Wilton, whom she married in 2002 (Wikipedia).
  • Wilton is known for roles in EastEnders and The Bill.

Current marital status

  • Quirke is currently married to Nick Wilton (Wikipedia).
  • She remains on good terms with ex-husband Steve Sheen, who has publicly supported her during her illness (BBC News).

The catch: Quirke’s two marriages reflect a private life that has stayed largely out of the tabloids, with both men described as supportive figures in her current care.

Who are Pauline Quirke’s children?

Son Charlie (born 1991)

  • Charlie Sheen (born 1991) is Quirke’s son from her first marriage. As of 2025, he is 34 years old (Wikipedia).
  • In 2025, Charlie announced he would undertake an 87-mile, five-day trek for Alzheimer’s Research UK in honour of his mother (RTÉ).

Daughter Emily (born 1994)

  • Emily Sheen (born 1994) is Quirke’s daughter (Wikipedia).
  • Emily has kept a very low media profile, and no public statements about her mother’s condition have been attributed to her.

Family life

  • Both children are from Quirke’s marriage to Steve Sheen (Wikipedia).
  • Quirke’s family has been described as close-knit, with her children and husband rallying around her after the diagnosis.

Timeline

  • 8 July 1959 – Pauline Quirke born in London (Wikipedia).
  • 1970s – Began acting career in television (IMDb (industry database)).
  • 1986–1998 – Starred as Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather (BBC News).
  • 2007 – Founded the Pauline Quirke Academy (Pauline Quirke Academy).
  • 2014–2016 – Revival of Birds of a Feather on ITV (BBC News).
  • 2021 – Diagnosed with dementia (BBC News).
  • 2025 – Retired from acting; family and friends speak publicly (BBC News).

Confirmed facts and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Dementia diagnosis in 2021 (BBC News)
  • Retirement in 2025 (BBC News)
  • Lives on a canal boat (Bristol Live)
  • Friendship with Linda Robson continues (RTÉ)
  • Two marriages, two children (Wikipedia)

What’s unclear

  • Exact stage of dementia (family has not disclosed) (BBC News)
  • Full details of canal boat location (kept private) (Bristol Live)
  • Net worth figure (only estimates exist) (Celebrity Net Worth (estimates site))
  • Type of dementia (not specified by family)
  • Whether she has grandchildren (family has not disclosed)
  • Her personal thoughts on the public response (not publicly known)

Quotes from those who know her best

“She is happy. She still recognises us and has a sense of humour.”

— Family statement to BBC News (November 2025)

“It’s heartbreaking to see, but I won’t talk about it any more out of respect for Steve and the family.”

— Linda Robson, speaking to Digital Spy (December 2025)

“She is happy. She is content. She lives on a canal boat with her husband and she loves it.”

— Linda Robson, quoted by RTÉ (December 2025)

For fans who grew up watching Quirke on screen, the news of her dementia has been a sobering reminder of how quickly life can change. But the consistent message from those closest to her is that she remains herself — warm, humorous, and surrounded by love. The challenge now for her family is to balance public curiosity with the quiet dignity she deserves.

Additional sources

facebook.com, thesun.co.uk, reddit.com, perspectivemedia.com, mirror.co.uk, the-independent.com, facebook.com, reddit.com, facebook.com, reportdiretto.it

For a detailed look at Pauline Quirkes career and net worth, including her net worth and family background, this article provides a comprehensive overview.

Frequently asked questions

Is Pauline Quirke still acting?

No. She retired from acting in 2025 after her dementia diagnosis became public (BBC News).

What is Pauline Quirke’s net worth?

Estimates suggest around £2 million, though exact figures are not publicly confirmed (Celebrity Net Worth).

Does Pauline Quirke have grandchildren?

It is not publicly known whether Quirke is a grandmother. The family has not shared this information.

What is the Pauline Quirke Academy?

Founded in 2007, it is a performing arts academy for children and young people, with locations across the UK (Pauline Quirke Academy).

How did Pauline Quirke meet Linda Robson?

They met at primary school in Stoke Newington, London, and have been friends ever since (RTÉ).

What is Pauline Quirke’s MBE for?

She was awarded an MBE in 2016 for services to the entertainment industry and to charity (Pauline Quirke Academy).

Did Pauline Quirke appear in Emmerdale?

No, she has not appeared in Emmerdale. Her main television roles include Birds of a Feather, You Rang, M’Lord?, and The Sculptress (IMDb).

For those who want to read more about other British TV personalities facing health challenges, see our articles on Lisa Snowdon: Biography, Relationship, Illness & Career and Hairy Bikers: Dave Myers’ Death, Si King Illness, Updates.