Appearing on Good Morning Britain, Charlie spoke with warmth and honesty about the condition his mother has been living with since her diagnosis in 2021. The 31-year-old actor, who once starred alongside Pauline in Birds of a Feather, described her not just as a beloved parent, but as his “best friend.”
He said she continues to shine in her own unique way, explaining that even now, with just “a look or a wink or a word,” she can still bring laughter—something he treasures more than ever.
Charlie compared the journey of dementia to a marathon rather than a sprint, saying the family is learning to take life one day at a time. He shared that they focus on appreciating each moment, treating every day as a chance to learn, adapt, and—most importantly—smile.
In a powerful gesture of love, Charlie is preparing to run the London Marathon in her honour, raising money for Alzheimer’s Research UK. Along the 26-mile route, he plans to carry a deeply personal item: a photo of himself and his mum taken on the day he was born.
He revealed that he only recently rediscovered the image, gifted to him by his father, and intends to take it out as he crosses the finish line—a symbolic moment that connects past and present.
Speaking about the emotional significance, Charlie said his mum would be watching proudly, just as she does every year—but this time, “their little boy” would be the one running.
Reflecting on Pauline’s extraordinary career, Charlie described her as “the most humble woman in the world,” someone who never saw fame as anything more than a job. Behind the scenes, she was simply a devoted mother—thinking about dinners, school uniforms, and everyday family life.
He added that while the public sees her decades of success, to him she has always been something more: a woman who quietly changed lives, inspired countless people, and remained grounded through it all.
Pauline’s husband, Steve Sheen, previously confirmed that she stepped away from all professional work following her diagnosis. Her final public appearance came in 2023, when she proudly received an MBE at Windsor Castle from Prince William—a recognition of her contributions to entertainment, charity, and young people.
With a career spanning over 50 years, Pauline became a household name through Birds of a Feather, while also delivering standout performances in shows like Broadchurch and Emmerdale. Her legacy continues through the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, which supports thousands of young people across the UK.
Now, as her family navigates life with dementia, Charlie’s message is clear: the illness may have changed many things—but it has not taken away the essence of who she is.
“She’s still my best friend… and she’s still the funniest person I know.”
