Pauline Quirke, the beloved Birds of a Feather actress, endured a secret battle with pain while filming a BBC drama. The 65 year old star suffered silently for over a year before seeking medical advice before her heartbreaking dementia diagnosis in 2021.

Her husband, Steve Sheen, shared the distressing news on Tuesday, revealing that Pauline, famed for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the iconic sitcom and its revival from 2014 to 2017, has been forced to retire from acting due to the progression of her illness.

In a poignant statement, Steve said: “‘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.”

The agony began for Pauline back in 2008 during the filming of the BBC‘s daytime series Missing, where she played the dynamic DS Mary Jane Croft. Tasked with an active role that required her to frequently enter and exit police vehicles and dash between offices, she started experiencing “raging pain” in her leg.

Despite initially dismissing various aches and resorting to paracetamol, the severity of her condition eventually led her to consult her GP, concerned about how it might impact her performance as a senior detective.

The actress suffered a serious fall after visiting one of her drama schools, The Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, leading to unexpected and excruciating knee pain.

“I was talking to one of the children’s mothers, and as I turned away I slipped and fell badly. A couple of weeks later, I developed a terrible pain in my right knee, which was so bad it would keep me awake at night,” she disclosed to MailOnline, reports the Mirror.

Initially hoping the pain would subside on its own, Pauline soon realised that her condition required medical attention. “I knew I had to see a doctor,” Pauline said, recounting the moment she had to ask her director for less movement during scenes due to the discomfort.

Medical investigations ensued with X-rays revealing that the real problematic area was her hip, lacking any cushioning cartilage and consequently diagnosed with osteoarthritis a degenerative joint condition causing intense pain and mobility issues.

Against this painful backdrop, Pauline learned of the necessity for a hip replacement, a revelation that left her reeling in “shock” and tears.

A tumultuous year followed as the beloved star underwent hip surgery, emerging finally free from the agonising pain that once plagued her life.

Recovery was an arduous journey, featuring crutches, rehabilitation exercises, and a focus on weight loss recommended to ease joint strain, considering her 17 stone weight at the time.

“I haven’t bothered before, but I know it will be better for the joint if I do, so I shall try,” she added. “But apart from being fat, I’m in pretty good condition.”

Pauline exchanged vows with Steve in 1996. Together they are parents of Charlie, the couple’s 30 year old son.

Husband Steve commended Pauline’s remarkable work as he explained her decision to step away from the screen. He stated, “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 (PQA).”

“Her talent, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young peoples’ progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence. Pauline is perhaps best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous from Birds of a Feather, the hilarious sitcom that ran for nearly 30 years.”

“In drama, her BAFTA-nominated role in The Sculptress, was outstanding, as was her role as the mysterious Susan Wright in ITV’s Broadchurch. Demonstrating her acting versatility, she also starred or appeared in more than 60 TV and film productions, including Carrie’s War, North and South, Casualty, Cold Blood, Thieving Headmistress, My Family, You, Me and the Apocalypse, and of course Emmerdale.”

“During her epic 50 year career, Pauline has been nominated for many awards, including Best TV Comedy Actress in the British Comedy Awards, Best Newcomer in the British Soap Awards and has received multiple nominations for Most Popular Actress and Most Popular Comedy Performer in the National Television Awards.”

“In 2022, Pauline was awarded an MBE in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours. It was a heartfelt recognition of her incredible work with young people, her contributions to entertainment, and her dedication to charitable causes.”

“Her acting career has now come to a close, but Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), with its network of approximately 250 academies and over 15,000 students across the UK, remains robust and will continue to operate as normal in accordance with Pauline’s ideology.”

“Our experienced senior leadership team will maintain the Academies’ success and growth, building on the foundations, ethos and philosophy that Pauline has inspired from the beginning in 2007.”

“We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period. For the time being we will not be engaging in interviews or making further statements, since Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren. We are deeply grateful for the support from her peers, the public, and the dedicated staff and Principals at PQA.”