Linda Robson, well-known for her performance in Birds of a Feather, has shared the devastating update that her long-time friend and co-star Pauline Quirke, who is suffering from dementia, no longer recognises her.
The friendship between Linda and Pauline has spanned an impressive 56 years but at 65, Pauline’s mental faculties are sadly waning due to the condition, Bristol Post reports.
Speaking at the TV Choice Awards on Monday, Linda confided in the Express, saying: “It [the diagnosis] was three years ago so I’ve lived with it for three years as the family have as well. She was so bright and so clever. It can happen to anybody, can’t it? “.
She remarked on how drastically Pauline has changed, expressing: “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 56 years. It really is sad.”
The revelation comes against the backdrop of rumours that suggested a fallout between Linda and Pauline. Addressing such gossip previously, the 66-year-old Loose Women presenter said: “People say Pauline and I have fallen out.”
However, she pointed out that despite lockdown restrictions impacting their interaction, they had since managed to catch up. “Obviously, I couldn’t see her during lockdown, but I’ve seen her since. She just doesn’t want to act anymore. She’s had enough – it’s long hours”.
Reflecting on the strength of their friendship, Linda opened up to The Mirror in 2022 about how both Pauline and Lesley Joseph had been pillars of support during her own challenging times.
She recalled: “But when I was ill, both Pauline and Lesley [Joseph] rang me, or a member of my family, every couple of days to see how I was. They were both a big support and really there for me.”
Discussing Pauline’s condition, Birds of a Feather co-creator Maurice Gran also spoke to The Mirror, revealing: “Since the diagnosis, her condition has gathered pace.”
He expressed deep compassion, sharing: “She’s still only 65, so your heart goes out to her. At first, she felt she was beginning to lose her grip. Now, we understand she struggles to identify members of her own family.”
Gran added, mourning the loss of her talent: “I’ve always said that Pauline’s talent made our words sound better. It couldn’t be sadder.”
Earlier this year, Pauline’s husband Steve Sheen announced her regretful withdrawal from the limelight following four years since her initial dementia diagnosis.
In a heartfelt statement, he conveyed: “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.”