GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes has voiced his heartfelt support for actress Pauline Quirke after the news of her dementia diagnosis broke. 

On air, Eamonn spoke candidly about the growing prevalence of dementia in the UK and the profound impact it is having on individuals and families across the nation. 

His words come after Quirke’s husband, Steve Sheen, 

revealed that the 65-year-old actress had made the difficult decision to step back from her professional career due to the disease.

In a segment on *GB News*, Eamonn highlighted that dementia has now become the leading cause of death in Britain. 

“The actress Pauline Quirke yesterday announced through spokespeople that she was retiring from acting because she is suffering from dementia,” Eamonn said, emphasizing the stark reality of the condition’s growing presence. 

He pointed to the statistics, noting that nearly one million people in the UK are currently living with dementia, with only about half of those cases officially diagnosed. “It will hit 1.7 million by 2040,” he added, underscoring the increasing toll the disease is taking on the population.

Eamonn further explained that with the ageing population, dementia is affecting more and more people, with nearly one in 40 people now living with the condition. Alzheimer’s disease, a common form of dementia, was also mentioned as particularly prevalent, with no cure currently available. “This is a no-cure disease,” Eamonn reminded viewers, offering a sobering look at the challenges many face when confronted with dementia.

Following the announcement of Quirke’s diagnosis, Eamonn’s co-host Ellie Costello expressed her sympathy, saying, “We are sending her all our love, aren’t we?” The emotional sentiment was felt not only by those on the show but also by viewers who were deeply moved by Quirke’s decision to step away from her beloved career.

Quirke’s husband, Steve Sheen, confirmed the diagnosis and the actress’s decision to retire from her professional duties in a heartfelt statement. He shared that Pauline had been diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and had made the choice to take a step back from her work. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife Pauline’s decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of dementia in 2021,” Sheen said. He went on to praise his wife’s remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry and her charity work. “Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours and as the founder of the very successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts,” he said, expressing admiration for her dedication and passion over the years.

Pauline Quirke is best known for her portrayal of Sharon Theodopolopodous in the hit sitcom *Birds of a Feather*, which aired from 1989 to 1998 on BBC One and later returned to ITV from 2014 to 2020. Her performance as Sharon earned her widespread acclaim, including a British Comedy Award for Best TV Comedy Newcomer in 1990. The sitcom followed the lives of two sisters, played by Quirke and Linda Robson, as they navigated the challenges of life after their husbands were arrested for armed robbery.

Throughout her 50-year career, Quirke’s impressive body of work included roles in *Broadchurch*, *Emmerdale*, and *The Sculptress*, among others. She was also honored in 2022 when she was made an MBE for her significant contributions to young people, the entertainment industry, and charity work.

In addition to her acting career, Quirke and her husband founded the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) in 2007. The academy, which now operates approximately 250 academies across the UK, continues to thrive and serves more than 15,000 students. Despite her stepping back from acting, Quirke’s legacy in the academy will live on, as Sheen assured that it will continue to operate as usual in line with Pauline’s vision.

The outpouring of support for Quirke, from both her peers and the public, reflects the admiration and respect she has earned throughout her illustrious career. As Eamonn Holmes highlighted, dementia is a disease that affects millions, and it’s important to recognize the personal stories and struggles of those dealing with it, including beloved figures like Pauline Quirke. Through her resilience and dedication to the arts, Quirke’s impact on the industry will undoubtedly continue, even as she navigates this new chapter of her life.

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