How Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson's 'tempestuous relationship' thawed after diagnosis
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Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson have been friends since they were children and despite some rough patches, they remain firm friends. The pair met at the age of 10 and were inseparable growing up. They even joined drama school together in the 1970s as they dreamed of becoming stars. Pauline and Linda made their dream come true in the 1980s thanks to their show Birds of a Feather, which attracted in tens of millions of viewers with each episode.
It followed bickering sisters Sharon Theodopolopodous and Tracey Stubbs as they came to terms with their husbands being put in prison for armed robbery. They became one of the nation's most-loved double acts – yet behind the scenes tensions brewed. There were fierce rows between the two stars, going back to 1997.
Things came to a head between Pauline and Linda in 2019 over a Birds of a Feather Christmas special. Pauline declined the opportunity to reprise her role and her lines in the title song were removed as well as pictures of their characters Tracey and Sharon together. The actress had insisted she wanted to focus on her acting school, Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts.
Friends had feared Pauline and Linda's relationship was "irreparable" and thought the chances they would speak again were slim, according to Daily Mail. The pair have managed to save their friendship and settle their differences amid Pauline's tough three years. This week, it was revealed Pauline had been diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and would be stepping away from public life.
