Inside Pauline Quirke's turbulent friendship with Birds Of A Feather co-star Linda Robson - as duo faced fallout rumours before dementia diagnosis
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Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke were met with rumours of a falling out after the latter was missing from the Birds Of A Feather Christmas special back in 2020 - before Pauline's dementia diagnosis. The TV star, 65, is set to 'step away from all commercial and professional duties,' her spouse revealed in a statement on Tuesday, after she was first diagnosed with the disease in 2021.
![[Pauline starred on Birds Of A Feather alongside Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph from 1988 to 1999, and in a revival from 2014-2017 (Pauline and Linda picutred in 2016)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/11/94342951-14308333-image-m-89_1737459675889.jpg)
Pauline starred on Birds Of A Feather alongside Linda and Lesley Joseph from 1988 to 1999, and in a revival from 2014-2017. The duo have been friends for more than 50 years and starred together in 12 series and two Christmas specials of Birds of a Feather.
![[Speculation of their rift was first reported back in 2021 after it was revealed the duo were no longer on speaking terms]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/11/94328729-14308333-In_2022_it_had_been_reported_that_Pauline_was_locked_in_a_feud_w-a-91_1737460057291.jpg)
Speculation of their rift was first reported back in 2021 after it was revealed the pair were no longer on speaking terms. While Linda has shut down rumours of any past feuds, The Mail on Sunday first revealed that a seemingly irreparable rift had developed between Pauline and Linda, whose bond once helped cement their reputation as among the UK's most popular double acts.
![[The duo have been friends for more than 50 years and starred together in 12 series and two Christmas specials of Birds of a Feather]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/11/94328405-14308333-Pauline_famously_starred_opposite_her_childhood_friend_Linda_Rob-a-92_1737460082485.jpg)
Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke were met with rumours of a falling out after the latter was missing from the Birds Of A Feather Christmas special back in 2020. Pauline starred on Birds Of A Feather alongside Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph from 1988 to 1999, and in a revival from 2014-2017 (Pauline and Linda picutred in 2016).
![[Insiders said there had been 'real and tense issues' which resulted in Pauline refusing to take part in the 30th anniversary show, which aired in 2019]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/11/94329143-14308333-The_actress_best_known_for_her_role_in_the_ITV_sitcom_Birds_Of_A-a-93_1737460162185.jpg)
Insiders said there had been 'real and tense issues' which resulted in Pauline refusing to take part in the 30th anniversary show, which aired in 2019. At the same time, Linda grew closer to co-star Lesley, who plays man-eating neighbour Dorien Green, and the pair reportedly decided not to ask Pauline to take part in 2020's Christmas special.
![[In May 2022 Linda shut down any rumours of a rift with longtime pal Pauline as her and Lesley enjoyed a lunch with her at The Delaunay in Covent Garden]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/21/11/91702551-14308333-In_May_2022_Linda_shut_down_any_rumours_of_a_rift_with_longtime_-a-95_1737460192545.jpg)
