Linda Robson has spoken out about her unwavering support for her best friend and Birds of a Feather co-star, Pauline Quirke, as she battles dementia.
The 66-year-old actress, who has been close to Pauline since childhood, became emotional while discussing her friend’s diagnosis and the heartbreaking toll it has taken.
Pauline Quirke Steps Away from the Spotlight
Pauline’s husband, Steve Sheen, recently announced that the beloved actress would be stepping back from her 50-year career due to her ongoing health struggles.
The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, as Pauline has been a familiar face on British television for decades.
In a statement, Steve shared:
“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.”
He went on to praise Pauline’s dedication to the industry, her work with charities, and her role in founding the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), which has helped inspire young actors across the UK.
Linda Robson’s Emotional Reaction
Linda, who has been friends with Pauline since they were ten years old, struggled to hold back tears when discussing her best friend’s condition. Speaking at the TV Choice Awards, she revealed how difficult it has been to watch Pauline’s decline.
“It’s very sad. We’ve been best friends since we were ten. I’ve known about her diagnosis for three years, and we’ve managed to keep it quiet.”
One of the most devastating aspects of Pauline’s condition is that she is struggling to recognize her loved ones. Linda shared:
“She doesn’t know who anybody is. She doesn’t know who I am or who her kids are. Dementia is terrible—I’d rather get cancer because at least then you’ve got a chance.”
Staying in Touch Through FaceTime
Despite not having seen Pauline in person recently, Linda has stayed connected through FaceTime, regularly checking in with Pauline’s husband, Steve. She revealed that she has been given the green light to visit her longtime friend next week.
“I haven’t seen Pauline in person, but I’ve seen her on FaceTime. Steve has said that I can go and see her next week, so that’s what I’ll do. It’s about taking everything slowly for her, really.”
Linda’s commitment to supporting Pauline highlights the depth of their friendship, which has spanned more than five decades.
A Difficult Personal Battle for Linda
Dementia is a disease that Linda knows all too well. Her mother also suffered from the condition, making Pauline’s diagnosis even more painful to witness.
“My mum had it as well. One in two people now get dementia—it’s a lot of people. When my mum was in a hospice, we’d get there, and she’d recognize us for a second, and then it was completely gone. It’s the worst thing, it really is.”
Her personal experience with the disease has given her insight into the heartbreaking reality of watching a loved one fade away.
No More Birds of a Feather
With Pauline stepping away from the public eye, Linda has firmly ruled out any future episodes of Birds of a Feather, the hit sitcom that made them both household names. The show, which ran from 1989 to 1998 and later returned for a reboot in the 2010s, followed the lives of sisters Tracey Stubbs (Linda) and Sharon Theodopolopodous (Pauline).
“It wouldn’t be the same without Pauline,” Linda admitted, confirming that the show will not return.
Pauline Quirke’s Legacy
Although Pauline has retired from the entertainment industry, her impact remains undeniable. Through her acting, charity work, and the Pauline Quirke Academy, she has left a lasting mark on British television and young performers.
Her husband’s statement reflected on her contributions:
“Her talent, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA, where her guidance has helped many young people find their passion for the arts.”
Looking Ahead
As Linda prepares to visit Pauline in the coming days, she remains dedicated to standing by her friend’s side. The journey ahead will be difficult, but their bond—built over a lifetime—will remain strong.
Dementia is a cruel disease, but through love, support, and cherished memories, Linda is determined to be there for Pauline, no matter what.
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