Linda Robson has spoken out on Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline Quirke's devastating dementia diagnosis. Last month, Pauline's husband Steve Sheen announced that his wife had been diagnosed with dementia in 2021 with an emotional statement, where he made the sad revelation. Now, Loose Women star Linda Robson has spoken out. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror at the TV Choice Awards, Linda said: "I knew about Pauline’s diagnosis for three years and it has been tough. I kept in touch with her husband Steve the whole time and she’s being really looked after.
"We FaceTime a lot but she doesn’t say too much, we’re always in contact and I’m seeing her next week. It’s nice to see the support for her but it can be upsetting to talk about it.". At the awards, Linda also told The Express: "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.".
Linda and Pauline met when they were just ten years old, while both attending Islington's Anna Scher Theatre School, which has produced household names such as Natalie Cassidy and Kathy Burke. The pair also attended the same primary school in North London, with Pauline being in the year below. During a 2016 appearance on Loose Women, Linda declared they'd known each other 'practically from the womb'. She then went on to explain how they pair "clicked" from the moment they met.
In 1989, the duo appeared widely beloved sitcom Birds of a Feather, in which they played Sharon Theodopolopodous and Tracey Stubbs - sisters who are brought together after their husbands are both imprisoned for armed robbery. Announcing Pauline's dementia diagnosis last month, 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." Within the heartbreaking statement, Steve paid tribute to his wife's career, as he penned: "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.". Concluding, he requested privacy for Pauline and their family: "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 (Pauline Quirke Academy).".
