On Thursday’s episode of Loose Women, Linda Robson was visibly moved as she honoured her “amazing” friend and former co-star Pauline Quirke, who recently retired from acting due to a dementia diagnosis.
Recalling their shared history, Linda reminisced about their time together, from primary school to their global travels with the hit show Birds of a Feather.
“We were at the same primary school together. We did everything together. We travelled all over the world with Birds of a Feather and everything, we went to amazing places. Because of Birds of a Feather, it opened many doors,” Linda shared.
She praised Pauline’s acting talent and her wonderful family and reflected on their shared mischiefs: “We had such amazing times, honestly. She was an amazing actress as well, and she’s got the most beautiful family.
“We sort of did everything the same. We were naughty, really naughty. We used our fame to get us into so many places, honestly… I also want to talk about her career. She was an amazing actress, she did so many different things.”
Co-host Christine Lampard commented on the depth of their friendship, acknowledging the new chapter they face but emphasising their enduring support for each other.
“But all of those experiences have created this incredible bond that you have to this very day, Linda. You’re both incredibly close, one of your best friends. You’ve lived this extraordinary life together, and now you’re going through another chapter, but obviously, you’re there for her, and she’s there for you, and it’ll always be that way,” she said.
“Clearly, you’re there for her and have a bit of experience, too, and you’ll lean on each other going forward, but it’s lovely hearing all the stories. It’s so good to hear you’ve got each other. Thank you for sharing. We’re clearly sending our love to Pauline and her family,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
The heartfelt discussion touched Linda deeply, and her co-stars Christine and Kelly Brook offered a moment of consolation.
Emphasising the importance of privacy, Linda remarked, “It is private. I don’t want to talk about her illness at all.”
Steve Sheen, Pauline’s husband, shared details of her condition earlier in the month, announcing, “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 further requested: “We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period. Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren.”
The family has committed to supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK in the future and plans to collaborate with the charity to fundraise for vital dementia research and raise awareness.
Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 12.30pm