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Charlie Quirke has embarked on an 87-mile fundraising walk on which he will visit several locations with meaning to his actress mother. ITV News Entertainment Reporter Rishi Davda speaks to Charlie ahead of his challenge
As he comedically faked an injury crossing the start line, it was clear to see that Charlie Quirke also possessed his mum’s flair for funny.
The sun was not up yet, but Charlie was full of energy (and maybe some caffeine), as he began an 87-mile fundraising walk on which he will visit a number of locations with meaning to his mother.
Sixty-six-year-old Pauline Quirke, who famously starred in Birds of a Feather, Emmerdale and Broadchurch, recently retired from acting after revealing that she was diagnosed with Dementia in 2021.
Charlie with his mum Pauline and dad Steve Sheen. Credit: Charlie Quirke
Speaking to ITV News at the West Ham United Academy training ground (Pauline is a massive West Ham fan and so it was the trek’s first stopping point), Charlie said that “the love and outpouring for my mum has been way more than we ever expected. That’s what is sort of driving me on”.
“One in two people will be affected by either getting the disease or caring for someone who has it. We can raise awareness for people to realise we need to combat this and find a cure.”
Over the course of his five-day walk, Charlie – who is also an actor – will take a route which includes the part of north London where his mum was born and Windsor Castle, where Pauline received her MBE in 2023.
Charlie with Linda Robson and Ray Winstone. Credit: Alzheimer’s Research UK
Sending Charlie on his way in Chigwell, the home place of Birds of a Feather, was Pauline’s childhood friend and co-star, Linda Robson, as well as actor Ray Winstone, who’s known the actress since she was 17.
Winstone said: “It’s kind of heartbreaking. At first, when you speak to her, everything is fine and she’s kind of laughing, thinking about the future.”
“As the weeks and years go by, it’s something that creeps up on her.”
Pauline Quirke and her husband Steve Sheen. Credit: Quirke Family
Pauline Quirke spent more than 50 years as an actor and quickly became a cornerstone of British comedy.
She was nominated for a Bafta and four National Television Awards over the course of her career.
However, her greatest impact may have been on the next generation. Alongside her husband Steve Sheen, she co-founded the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts. It has about 250 locations and 15,000 students across the UK.
Watching his son set off on his charity challenge, Sheen pointed at another young child and said: “There’s a little girl there, that little girl has never heard of Pauline, except for the Pauline Quirke Academy, which she attends.
“That’s where Pauline has touched as well, not just the 96 TV shows but the academies as well.”
Pauline Quirke was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Prince of Wales in 2023. Credit: PA
Charlie broke his leg in August, but has not let that stop him from tackling the trek. The longest walk he did as a practice was 90 minutes – he will be doing much more than that this week.
All the money raised will go to Alzheimer’s Research UK and he wants to deliver a large amount.
“I kind of set six figures as a target,” he says. “I can walk away from this and think what we achieved is incredible as a group and as a family.”
You can see how Charlie is getting on here.
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