Pauline Quirke's Family Issue Urgent Warning Over AI-Generated Images
The family of beloved actress Pauline Quirke have taken to social media to denounce what they describe as false and distressing AI-generated images of the star. The Birds of a Feather icon, who is 66 years old, has largely withdrawn from public life since her dementia diagnosis in 2021.
Family's Instagram Plea to Stop Misinformation
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Quirke's family issued a direct appeal to the public and media. They explicitly stated that images currently circulating online depicting Pauline are fabricated using artificial intelligence technology.
The family's message was clear and urgent:
"Please be aware that images and posts currently circulating about Pauline Quirke are AI-generated. No one outside of Pauline's family and close friends knows her current condition. Please do not believe or share articles, images, or updates from unofficial sources. These false posts cause unnecessary worry and spread a great deal of sadness."
They continued with an appeal for respect and accuracy: "Let's respect Pauline and her family's privacy and rely only on confirmed, official statements. Please share to help stop the spread of misinformation."
Living with Dementia: Family Insights
While the actress's dementia diagnosis became public knowledge last year, her family have shared some personal insights into her condition. Her son, Charlie Quirke, revealed in a November interview with BBC Breakfast that Pauline still recognises her loved ones.
Charlie explained: "My mum knows exactly who we are. Every time she sees all of us, she smiles, laughs, says 'I love you', says 'hello'."
Pauline's husband, Steve Sheen, provided further context about the gradual nature of the condition. He admitted the family remain uncertain about the precise progression of the dementia, which affects cognitive and memory functions.
Steve reflected: "Unfortunately, we are not in the state where we can do much about it. Just take every day, and try and take the best moment out of that day you can. It's so gradual that for the first year, two years, you're thinking, 'Ah, she's alright'. Now, we're three or four years in, it's a little bit different. This is why awareness is important. We didn't know how long it lasts or how long you have with it, or how bad it is or how quick it is."
Initial Disbelief and Broader Awareness
Both Steve and Charlie recalled their initial reaction to Pauline's diagnosis with what they described as complete disbelief. Steve remembered: "We looked at each other and went, 'No, it can't be. It's long COVID, you've got the flu.'"
Charlie added an important perspective about dementia affecting younger people: "Quite surprised that this was possible in a woman in her 60s, and it can happen to people in their 50s, people in their 40s. So it's something that you have to deal with and learn about."
Pauline Quirke's Illustrious Career
Pauline Quirke is best remembered for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the long-running sitcom Birds of a Feather, which aired from 1989 to 2020. Her talent was recognised with a Bafta nomination in 1997 for her portrayal of a convicted murderer in the BBC drama The Sculptress.
The actress also appeared in Emmerdale and received an MBE in 2022 for her services to the entertainment industry, young people, and various charities. Her family's current appeal highlights the intersection of modern technology with personal privacy during challenging health circumstances.
