‘Heartbroken’ Linda Robson issues statement after best friend Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis
‘Heartbroken’ Linda Robson issues statement after best friend Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis
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Linda Robson has shared an emotional message after her Birds Of A Feather co-star Pauline Quirke revealed her dementia diagnosis. The actresses began working together decades ago when both of their careers began, but they’re best known as the combative sisters whose husbands go to jail in the sitcom, which first aired on the BBC in 1989.
![[Editorial use only. No book publishing Mandatory Credit: Photo by Fremantle Media/Shutterstock (846213aa) 'Birds of a Feather' - Pauline Quirke as Sharon, Linda Robson as Tracey FremantleMedia Ltd]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_82220625-5f25-e1737914966150.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Last week, Quirke’s husband, Steve Sheen, said she will retire from ‘all professional and commercial duties’ and revealed her condition, which he said was diagnosed in 2021. Loose Women star Robson, 66, began writing on Instagram this weekend: ‘This will be the only time I speak on behalf of my best friend, Pauline.’.
![[Linda Robson ?heartbroken? by co-star Pauline Quirke?s dementia diagnosis]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237466557-028c.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=634)
‘For the past three years, I’ve been in close contact with her husband, Steve, and have spent time with Pauline,’ she continued. ‘It breaks my heart to see her endure such a terrible illness. ‘Out of respect for her family and her privacy, I will not be discussing this matter further.’.
![[LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall meets Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph as she visits ITV Studios to mark their 60th Anniversary at London Television Centre on September 9, 2915 in London, England. (Photo by Jon Bond - WPA Pool/Getty Images)]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237466703-0d1e.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
She accompanied her post with two photos, one being a recent selfie as the pair smiled and another showing them in their early days. Underneath the post, co-stars and fans offered their support, with the likes of Claire Sweeney, Gaby Roslin, and Charley Webb commenting red hearts.
![[Linda Robson ?heartbroken? by co-star Pauline Quirke?s dementia diagnosis]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_237466416-20af.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=615)
‘That’s a true friend right there … well done you Linda , sending love to you and Pauline x’, wrote juliehemstedt65. ‘Always Sharon and Tracey, you provide comfort to us with your shows, now it’s time for us to show comfort to you both, thinking of you all ❤️’, added jennysoles.
![[Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/REX (1686174v) The day of Jackson's funeral - Hazel Rhodes [Pauline Quirke] is close to losing it 'Emmerdale' TV Programme. - 2011]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PRI_218320714-4aaf-e1737442350149.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
