Pauline Quirke’s husband Steve, (right) admitted on BBC Breakfast on Monday that he doesn’t know how long the Birds Of A Feather star has left to live, (pictured with their son Charlie)

Pauline Quirke’s husband Steve Sheen has given an emotional interview on BBC Breakfast, admitting for the f irst time that he doesn’t know how much time they still have left with the beloved Birds Of A Feather actress.

Charlie shared unseen pictures of his mother on Instagram on Monday as he revealed the emotional journey he’s taking on to honour her amid her dementia battle

Speaking publicly about his wife’s dementia diagnosis, Steve described the moment he first realised something was wrong — and how he initially convinced himself it had to be something else. The couple’s son, Charlie, also appeared during Monday’s broadcast, releasing previously unseen photos of his mother as he begins an emotional challenge in her honour.

On December 8, Charlie will set out on a 140km trek for his mother
Charlie said: ‘It’s what my mum wants me to do. I’m doing it for her, and for every family that has experienced the devastation of dementia, because we must do all we can to find a cure’

Steve explained that Pauline’s first symptom appeared in November 2020. “A script came in, she started reading it, and she phoned me saying, ‘The words aren’t going in.’ That’s where it started. We thought, ‘It can’t be. It’s long Covid. It’s the flu.’” For the next year or two, he admitted, he kept dismissing the warning signs, telling himself she was fine. Now, several years later, the gradual changes have become impossible to ignore. Pauline with her husband Steve and son Charlie pictured in November 2010

As well as her role in the comedy Birds Of A Feather, Pauline also had roles in Emmerdale, Broadchurch and a BAFTA-nominated performance in The Sculptress

He spoke candidly about the uncertainty they face. “We don’t know how long it lasts or how long you have with it, or how fast it moves,” he said. “She’s still funny, still talking, still happy. Is it four years? Eight years? Ten? Twelve? Twenty? Who knows?” Despite being a very private family, Steve said they decided to speak out to raise awareness and help others facing similar battles.

Alongside the interview, their son Charlie posted a series of never-before-seen photos of Pauline on Instagram as he prepares for a 140km trek on December 8 — a journey he says reflects his mother’s life, work and legacy. “It’s what my mum wants me to do,” he said. “I’m doing it for her, and for every family who has experienced the devastation of dementia. We must do all we can to find a cure.”

It comes after earlier this year, Pauline announced she was stepping away from acting after battling the condition for three years

Charlie’s challenge will follow his mother’s footsteps, from her early days as an aspiring actress to her rise as a sitcom icon. Every stop on his route represents a memory — a place she loved, worked, or changed someone’s life. “I imagine each day will be a mix of tears, laughs, and so much love for my mum,” he said. Over the next three weeks, he will prepare physically and emotionally for the demanding trek, with updates to be shared as the date approaches.

Pauline’s family now takes each day as it comes, unsure exactly which stage of the illness she is in. While her memory and understanding fluctuate, Steve and Charlie say she is often still cheerful and full of the wit she’s known for.

The iconic Birds Of A Father star, 66 – (pictured with her co-stars Lesley Joseph as Dorien and Linda Robson as Tracey)

The 66-year-old star — pictured in her celebrated roles with Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson — was diagnosed with dementia in 2021. Earlier this year, Pauline officially stepped away from all acting work after three years of health struggles.

In a heartfelt statement at the time, Steve said: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce Pauline’s decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of dementia. Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in film and TV, her charitable efforts, and her legacy as founder of the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA). Her talent, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives and will continue to do so.”

Pauline with her husband Steve and son Charlie pictured in November 2010

As well as her iconic comedy role in Birds Of A Feather, Pauline starred in Emmerdale, Broadchurch, Carrie’s War, Cold Blood, North and South, Casualty, My Family, You, Me and the Apocalypse and many more. Her BAFTA-nominated performance in The Sculptress remains one of her most acclaimed dramatic roles.

Across her extraordinary 50-year career, she earned multiple award nominations, including British Comedy Awards’ Best TV Comedy Actress, British Soap Awards’ Best Newcomer, and numerous National Television Awards nods for Most Popular Actress and Most Popular Comedy Performer. In 2022, she received an MBE in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours, acknowledging her contributions to entertainment and her extraordinary work with young people through PQA.

Today, even as her acting career draws to a close, her legacy lives on in the Pauline Quirke Academy, with around 250 academies and over 15,000 students across the UK continuing to thrive under her original vision and principles.

Pauline married Steve in 1996, and they share son Charlie, 30, who has also pursued acting — even appearing in the 2019 revival of Birds Of A Feather. Pauline is also mother to daughter Emily, 40, from a previous relationship.

Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.