Pauline Quirke

Pauline Quirke (born July 8, 1959) is an English actress known for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the comedy series Birds of a Feather (1988–1999, 2014–2017). She won the 1990 British Comedy Award for Best Newcomer for this role. Quirke was also nominated for the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actress for her performance in the 1996 miniseries The Sculptress. Her other notable TV credits include Maisie Raine (1998–1999), Down to Earth (2000–2003), Emmerdale (2010–2012), and Broadchurch (2013–2015). Quirke began her career as a child actress, appearing in Dixon of Dock Green, and gained early recognition for her portrayal of an autistic teenager in the 1975 drama Jenny Can't Work Any Faster. She also co-starred with Linda Robson in their own TV show, Pauline's Quirkes, on Thames Television in 1976.