ITV Loose Women's Linda Robson 'emotional' over Pauline Quirke health update

Edinburgh Live

02-05-2025

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Linda Robson has shared a touching moment, revealing she felt "really emotional" upon hearing an update about her friend and former co-star Pauline Quirke's battle with dementia.
Pauline's husband Steve Sheen made the announcement earlier this year that the 61 year old would be retiring from the limelight, following her dementia diagnosis in 2021.
Linda, who worked with Pauline on 'Birds of a Feather', spoke about how Charlie Quirke, Pauline's son, updated her on his mum's condition. Despite experiencing "down days", Pauline had shown signs of recognition by recently asking for Linda, which came as a surprise given her difficulty with recognising loved ones.
On Loose Women: The Podcast, Linda expressed: "Charlie rang me and just said she is doing really, really well at the moment. Sometimes she has down days but at the moment she is quite up about everything.
"He said they got really, really excited when she said, 'Here, where's my mate Linda Robson?' So I got quite emotional when he told me that as well," reports the Mirror.
Back in February, Maurice Gran, who co-wrote 'Birds of a Feather', discussed the progression of Pauline's condition, sharing the saddening news that she was starting to have trouble recognising family members. He noted: "Since the diagnosis, her condition has gathered pace.
"She's still only 65 so your heart goes out to her. Initially, she felt she was beginning to lose her grip. Now, we understand she struggles to identify members of her own family."
Linda, aged 67, reflected on their deep connection, praising Pauline as an "amazing actress" and her "best friend". She reminisced warmly: "Amazing things have happened to us.
"When Birds of a Feather first came out, we started getting invited to everything. We got given VIP tickets to Stringfellows, and all these different places, we couldn't believe our luck."
Starring alongside Lesley Joseph, the careers of Pauline and Linda soared thanks to their roles in Birds of a Feather from 1989 to 1998. The show even made a return for two Christmas specials after its initial run.
However, Linda has confirmed that there are no plans for the much-loved sitcom to make a return. She revealed: "No, it's not going to come back. Because of Pauline, she's not going to work again now."
The Loose Women panellist expressed her sorrow over Pauline's condition following the announcement in January. On Instagram, she wrote: "For the past three years, I've been in close contact with her husband, Steve, and have spent time with Pauline.It breaks my heart to see her endure such a terrible illness."
Pauline, recognised for her roles in ITV's Broadchurch, Emmerdale, and the BBC's The Sculptress, was awarded an MBE for her service to charity, contributions to the entertainment industry, and her involvement with youth through her Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), which has educated over 15,000 students.
Steve shared a moving statement about his wife Pauline's retirement from the world of show business, disclosing: "It is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife Pauline's decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of dementia in 2021. Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours and as the founder of the very successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts."
He went on to commend her lasting contribution: "Her talent, dedication and vision have touched countless lives, and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young people's progression and interest in the arts, and enhanced their self-confidence."