“SHE’S STILL MAKING US LAUGH”… EVEN NOW: Charlie Quirke’s Emotional Tribute as He Runs for His Mum Pauline in Her Dementia Battle
Charlie Quirke has opened up about his mother Pauline Quirke in a deeply emotional interview, revealing that despite her dementia battle, she is still “the funniest woman in the world” and remains at the heart of his family’s life.
Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Charlie shared a moving and candid update on the condition Pauline has been living with since her 2021 diagnosis. The 31-year-old actor, who starred with his mum in Birds of a Feather, described her not only as a legendary performer, but as his closest confidante and “best friend.”
He said Pauline still has the power to light up a room in her own unmistakable way. Even now, a simple “look, wink or word” can send him into laughter — a small but priceless reminder of the woman he has always adored.
Charlie described dementia as a marathon rather than a sprint, stressing that the family has had to adjust to a new rhythm of life. Instead of looking too far ahead, he said they focus on getting through each day together, finding reasons to smile and appreciating the moments they still have.
That sense of love and determination is behind his latest tribute: Charlie is set to run the London Marathon in Pauline’s honour to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. And he plans to carry something profoundly personal throughout the 26-mile challenge — a photo of him and his mum taken on the day he was born.
He said the picture was only recently given back to him by his father, and he hopes to hold it as he crosses the finish line. For Charlie, it will be more than a keepsake; it will be a powerful link between the beginning of his life and the battle his family is facing now.
Reflecting on what the moment will mean, Charlie said his mum would be watching proudly, just as she always does — but this time, it would be “their little boy” doing the running for her.
He also spoke warmly about Pauline’s long career, calling her “the most humble woman in the world.” Despite her huge success, Charlie said fame never changed her outlook. At home, she was still the same devoted mother, focused on the everyday details that matter most — family dinners, school uniforms and looking after her children.
To the public, Pauline has been one of the UK’s most recognisable stars for decades. But to Charlie, she has always been much more than that: a woman who inspired countless people, lifted others up, and remained grounded no matter how bright the spotlight became.
Pauline’s husband, Steve Sheen, previously confirmed that she stepped away from professional work after her diagnosis. Her last public appearance came in 2023, when she received an MBE at Windsor Castle from Prince William in recognition of her work in entertainment, charity and support for young people.
With more than 50 years in the industry, Pauline became a household name through Birds of a Feather, while also earning praise for roles in Broadchurch and Emmerdale. Her influence continues through the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, which has helped thousands of young people across the UK.
Now, as the family faces life with dementia, Charlie’s message is simple but powerful: the illness has changed many things, but it has not changed who Pauline truly is.
“She’s still my best friend… and she’s still the funniest person I know.”
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