Linda Robson addresses Birds of a Feather return after 'emotional' Pauline Quirke update
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Linda Robson says the beloved sitcom Birds of a Feather will not be making a comeback, despite fans' hopes.
In a chat with ITV colleague Jane Moore on a new edition of Loose Women: The Podcast, the actress was probed about whether she'd swap her celebrity existence for an ordinary life if she could "go back".
Linda, 67, revealed that she wouldn't, stating that she has loved her life in the spotlight, which has allowed her to travel to places such as Japan, Bolivia, and the US. The conversation then turned onto Birds of a Feather, the show which Linda is probably most well known for.
When questioned about the classic sitcom's potential return by Jane, Linda dismissed the thought owing to her fellow actress and friend Pauline Quirke.
(Image: Getty Images)
She said: "No, it's not going to come back. No, it's really not gonna...", to which Jane asked if this was due to her co-star Pauline's dementia diagnosis.
Linda added: "Yeah, she's not gonna work again now. Talking of Pauline, Charlie (Pauline's son) rang me, yeah, and just said like, 'she's doing really, really well at the moment'.
"Sometimes, she sort of has down days, but at the moment, she's quite up about everything, and he said that they got really, really excited when she said, 'Where's my mate, Linda Robson?'."
The actress went on to say that this information left her "quite emotional" before going on to gush about their 50 plus years of friendship.
Pauline, famed for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the sitcom, was sadly diagnosed with dementia in 2021. Her husband, Steve Sheen, announced in January "with a heavy heart" that she would be retiring from acting.
The statement further highlighted her "talent, dedication, and vision" which had impacted "countless lives", and confirmed that her Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), located across the UK, continues to operate.
Steve added: 'We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period. Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren.'
Linda, Pauline and their co-star Lesley Joseph first appeared on the BBC show in 1989 and shared the screen for an impressive 25 years (with a hiatus). Pauline also featured as Hazel Rhodes in ITV's Emmerdale, as well as Broadchurch, Skins, and Cold Blood.
Previously discussing her friend's dementia diagnosis, Linda described Pauline as "so bright and so clever", and emphasised that it "can happen to anybody".
She further added to Express.co.uk: "I have noticed a real difference with her; she doesn't remember her grandchildren so she's not going to remember who I am even though we've been friends 56 years. It really is sad."
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