Linda Robson has broken her public silence to share a deeply emotional update on her longtime friend and Birds of a Feather co-star, Pauline Quirke, following Pauline’s dementia diagnosis.

Longtime Friends Face Difficult Truth

The two actresses, who have been close since their school days when they were just ten years old, share a bond that has lasted over five decades. Linda revealed during an appearance on Loose Women that she was plagued with worry when, over the past few years, she noticed that Pauline was struggling — not returning her calls, forgetting details, and showing signs that “something wasn’t right.”

Pauline’s husband, Steve Sheen, publicly confirmed that Pauline had been living with dementia since 2021 and announced that due to her diagnosis she will be stepping back from all professional and commercial work.

During the Loose Women show, Linda struggled to hold back tears as she spoke about Pauline’s condition, recalling precious memories from their childhood, their early years acting together, and their travels. She expressed that seeing Pauline endure the illness has been “heartbreaking.”

She opened up about how dementia has taken its toll: Pauline reportedly no longer always recognises even members of her closest family, including her children. Robson said that although she has known about the diagnosis for about three years, she respected the family’s wish to keep things private until they themselves were ready.

Standing By Her Best Friend

Despite the despair of the diagnosis, Linda Robson emphasized her unwavering support. She noted that while mental fog may make Pauline forget names and faces, the friendship they share transcends those moments. She remains in regular contact with Pauline and her husband, often via FaceTime.

Linda stated that she would not participate in any future Birds of a Feather episodes without Pauline, feeling that the show simply wouldn’t be the same.

A Call for Awareness

Through her tears, Linda also used this moment to highlight how common dementia has become, personally sharing that her own mother suffered from it. She said it’s “one in two people” who might now be affected, underscoring the importance of awareness and compassion for those living with such conditions.

Conclusion

Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis has cast a somber shadow over her illustrious career, but the outpouring of love and respect from her long-time friend Linda Robson reminds us that true friendship endures even when memories do not. For Linda and Pauline’s many admirers, this is a poignant reminder to cherish every moment with those we love.