Actress and Loose Women star Linda Robson has spoken publicly about her close friend and former Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline Quirke’s battle with dementia.
Pauline’s husband, Steve Sheen, revealed last month that the actress, 65, was diagnosed with dementia in 2021.
Now, Linda has shared how she has been supporting her longtime friend through the difficult journey.
Linda Robson on Pauline’s Health Battle
Speaking at the TV Choice Awards, Linda opened up about the emotional toll of seeing her best friend’s condition progress.
“I knew about Pauline’s diagnosis for three years, and it has been tough,” she told The Mirror. “I kept in touch with her husband, Steve, the whole time, and she’s being really looked after.”
Linda explained that she and Pauline remain in contact, frequently FaceTiming each other. However, she acknowledged that Pauline speaks less than she used to.
“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.”
During the same event, Linda also spoke to The Express, revealing just how much Pauline’s condition has impacted her memory.
“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 for 56 years. It really is sad.”
A Lifelong Friendship
Linda and Pauline’s bond goes back more than five decades. The two first met as ten-year-olds while attending Islington’s Anna Scher Theatre School, a well-known training ground for young actors. The school has produced numerous household names, including EastEnders actress Natalie Cassidy and comedian Kathy Burke.
Not only did Linda and Pauline attend the same theatre school, but they also went to the same primary school in North London, with Pauline being a year below Linda.
Their friendship blossomed quickly, with Linda once joking during a 2016 appearance on Loose Women that they had known each other “practically from the womb.” She also fondly recalled how they had “clicked” the moment they met.
The duo went on to find fame together in 1989 when they starred in Birds of a Feather, the beloved British sitcom that ran for multiple series. Linda played Tracey Stubbs, while Pauline portrayed her on-screen sister, Sharon Theodopolopodous. The show followed the lives of the two sisters as they navigated life after their husbands were sent to prison for armed robbery.
Their on-screen chemistry mirrored their real-life bond, making their partnership one of the most cherished in British television history.
Pauline’s Husband Announces Her Diagnosis
Pauline’s husband, Steve Sheen, made the heartbreaking announcement about her diagnosis last month. In an emotional statement, he revealed that Pauline had been privately battling dementia since 2021 and had since stepped away from all professional commitments.
“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.”
Steve also took the opportunity to pay tribute to Pauline’s incredible acting career, highlighting her versatility across various roles.
“In drama, her BAFTA-nominated role in The Sculptress was outstanding, as was her role as the mysterious Susan Wright in ITV’s Broadchurch,” he said.
“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.”
A Private Battle
While Pauline’s diagnosis has now been made public, her family has requested privacy as they focus on supporting her through this difficult time.
“We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period,” Steve said. “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.”
He also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the public, as well as from Pauline’s colleagues and the staff at the Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA), the performing arts school she founded.
Linda’s Continued Support for Pauline
Despite the sadness of seeing her best friend struggle with dementia, Linda remains a source of strength and support. She is determined to continue being there for Pauline, even as her memory fades.
Her openness about the devastating impact of the disease has also shone a light on the importance of awareness and support for those living with dementia and their families.
As she prepares to visit Pauline again, Linda’s love and loyalty remain unwavering—a testament to a friendship that has endured for more than five decades.
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.
