Linda Robson gives heartbreaking health update on best pal Pauline Quirke amid her dementia diagnosis

Daily Mail​

02-05-2025

Linda Robson shared a heartbreaking health update on Friday on her best friend Pauline Quirke amid her dementia diagnosis.
Pauline, 65, was diagnosed with dementia in 2021, but the illness only became public knowledge when her husband Steve Sheen made an announcement in January this year.
Linda, 66, who has been friends with her Birds Of A Feather co-star since they were in primary school together, has revealed that Pauline has been having 'up days' recently and has even been asking after her.
Speaking on the Loose Women Podcast, in collaboration with Mecca Bingo, Linda told Jane Moore that she recently had a call from Pauline's son Charlie.
She said: 'Charlie rang me and said she's doing really really well at the moment. Sometimes she has down days, but at the moment she's quite up about everything.
'They said they got really excited when she said "where's my mate Linda Robson?" I got quite emotional when he told me.
'[We've known each other] since we were 10 years old. She's always been an amazing actress and my best friend.
'Amazing things happened to us. When Birds Of A Feather came out we started getting invited to everything. We got VIP tickets for Stringfellas and all these different places, we couldn't believe our luck.'
Back in February, Maurice Gran, co-writer of Birds of a Feather, explained Pauline was experiencing trouble recognising her own family members. He said: '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.'
It comes after Linda opened up about the moment she realised that close friend Pauline 'wasn't right'.
Linda told Bella Magazine: 'I hadn't spoken to her for a little while and I kept wondering why she hadn't returned my calls.
'Eventually, Steve phoned me back. Lesley [Joseph] and I went for lunch with her and that's when we realised something wasn't right with her, and that was three years ago.'
Linda found the news hard, but respected the family's privacy and kept the diagnosis confidential.
She said: 'I've known for the last three years that she wasn't well. I managed to keep it a secret. It was very important that I did, because it was up to her family when it was time for them to let everyone know.'
The Loose Women star heartbreakingly revealed that Pauline, her friend of over 50 years, no longer recognises her or speaks much during their FaceTime calls.
Last month, Linda told MailOnline: 'I've been FaceTiming. There's not much conversation but it's just nice to see her face really.'
Linda also discussed the warm reaction she has had from people who speak to her about Pauline, saying: 'Yeah people do say, sorry to hear about your friend.'
Revealing her plans to see her soon, she said: 'She's in the best place and she's got family looking after her. Hopefully I'm going to go and see her next week.'
It was reported last month that Pauline can no longer recognise family amid her devastating battle with dementia.
Her husband Steve Sheen announced in a statement last month that she would be ' stepping away from all commercial and professional duties' after living with the disease for four years.
Pauline starred on Birds Of A Feather alongside Linda and Lesley Joseph from 1988 to 1999, and in a revival from 2014-2017.
As well as her role in the comedy Birds Of A Feather, Pauline also had roles in Emmerdale, Broadchurch and a BAFTA-nominated performance in The Sculptress.
In a statement revealing Pauline's diagnosis for the first time, her husband Steve said: '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 (PQA).
'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 peoples' progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence.
'Pauline is perhaps best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous from Birds of a Feather, the hilarious sitcom that ran for nearly 30 years.
'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 peoples' progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence.
'Pauline is perhaps best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous from Birds of a Feather, the hilarious sitcom that ran for nearly 30 years.
'In drama, her BAFTA-nominated role in The Sculptress, was outstanding, as was her role as the mysterious Susan Wright in ITV's Broadchurch.
'Demonstrating her acting versatility, she also starred or appeared in more than 60 TV and film productions, including Carrie's War, North and South, Casualty, Cold Blood, Thieving Headmistress, My Family, You, Me and the Apocalypse, and of course Emmerdale.'
He continued: 'During her epic 50 year career, Pauline has been nominated for many awards, including Best TV Comedy Actress in the British Comedy Awards, Best Newcomer in the British Soap Awards and has received multiple nominations for Most Popular Actress and Most Popular Comedy Performer in the National Television Awards.
'In 2022, Pauline was awarded an MBE in the late Queen's final Birthday Honours. It was a heartfelt recognition of her incredible work with young people, her contributions to entertainment, and her dedication to charitable causes.
'Her acting career has now come to a close, but Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), with its network of approximately 250 academies and over 15,000 students across the UK, remains robust and will continue to operate as normal in accordance with Pauline's ideology.
'Our experienced senior leadership team will maintain the Academies' success and growth, building on the foundations, ethos and philosophy that Pauline has inspired from the beginning in 2007.
'We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period.
'For the time being we will not be engaging in interviews or making further statements, since Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren.
'We are deeply grateful for the support from her peers, the public, and the dedicated staff and Principals at PQA.'
What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, that is, conditions affecting the brain.
There are many different types of dementia, of which Alzheimer's disease is the most common.
Some people may have a combination of types of dementia.
Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience their dementia in their own unique way.
Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age.
How many people are affected?
Alzheimer's Research UK reports there are more than 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today.
It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2025 will rise to over 1 million.
In the US, it's estimated there are 5.5 million sufferers. A similar percentage rise is expected in the coming years.
As a person's age increases, so does the risk of them developing dementia.
Rates of diagnosis are improving but many people with dementia are thought to still be undiagnosed.
Is there a cure?
Currently there is no cure for dementia but new drugs can slow down its progression and the earlier it is spotted the more effective treatments are.