Linda Robson has revealed Pauline Quirke ‘no longer recognises me or her children’ amid her heartbreaking dementia diagnosis.
The Loose Women star, 66, admitted she has known about the Birds Of A Feather star’s diagnosis for three years as she shared an update on her close friend, 65.
In an upsetting admission, Linda also said she would ‘rather get cancer’ over dementia ‘because at least then you’ve got a chance’.
Pauline married TV producer Steve in 1996, and they share son Charlie, 30, while the actress also has daughter Emily, 40, from a previous relationship.
Linda told The Sun at Monday night’s TV Choice Awards: ‘It’s very sad. We’ve been best friends since we were ten. I’ve known [about the diagnosis] for three years and we’ve managed to keep it quiet.
‘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.’
Linda Robson, 66, has revealed Pauline Quirke, 65, ‘no longer recognises me or her children’ amid her heartbreaking dementia diagnosis
The Loose Women star admitted she has known about the Birds Of A Feather star’s diagnosis for three years as she shared an update on her close friend (pictured together 1989)
In an upsetting admission, Linda also said she would ‘rather get cancer’ over dementia ‘because at least then you’ve got a chance’
Linda also revealed to MailOnline she had been privately supporting Pauline by phoning her.
She said she had spoken to Pauline on FaceTime but there was ‘not much conversation’.
Explaining that seeing her face is more than enough, she said: ‘I’ve been FaceTiming. There’s not much conversation but it’s just nice to see her face really.’
Linda also discussed the warm reaction she has had from people who speak to her about Pauline, saying: ‘Yeah people do say, sorry to hear about your friend.’
Revealing her plans to see her soon, she said: ‘She’s in the best place and she’s got family looking after her. Hopefully I’m going to go and see her next week.’
Linda was joined by her Loose Women co-stars at the event and she was quick to dismiss any speculation about strife in the ITV camp.
When asked if it was nice to be out with the Loose Women, she said: ‘Yeah it is really, really nice. Everyone talks about feuds, there is no feuds.
‘We’ve all been mates, I’ve been doing it for 20 years. But it’s been going for 25 years. I feel lucky that I’m still doing it.
She said: ‘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’
Linda also revealed to MailOnline she had been privately supporting Pauline by phoning her (pictured 2022)
Her husband Steve Sheen announced in a statement last month that the the Birds Of A Feather star would be ‘ stepping away from all commercial and professional duties’ after living with the disease for four years (pictured together)
‘We’ve got the younger ones on as well now which is really nice. Myleene, Frankie Bridge, Olivia Attwood. Then the Oldies. I’m one of the oldies now! I never dreamt I’d be one of the oldies.’
It was reported last week that Pauline can no longer recognise family amid her devastating battle with dementia.
Her husband Steve Sheen announced in a statement last month that she would be ‘stepping away from all commercial and professional duties’ after living with the disease for four years.
Then Maurice Glen, who co-wrote the sitcom which made Pauline famous alongside pal Linda revealed her condition had sadly ‘gathered pace’.
Telling the publication: ‘She’s still only 65 so your heart goes out to her. Initially, she felt she was beginning to lose her grip. Now, we understand she struggles to identify members of her own family.’
Maurice said how fellow Birds Of A Feather star Lesley Joseph, 79, telephoned him shortly before the statement was made public last month.
‘[Lesley asked] if Pauline’s husband, Steve Sheen, had been in touch, I told her no. ‘Well,’ said Lesley, ‘he’s going to go pub
lic about Pauline to put a stop to all the speculation’.
Pauline married her husband Steve in 1996, and they share son Charlie, 30, while the actress also has daughter Emily, 40, from a previous relationship (pictured in 2010)
Now Maurice Glen, who co-wrote the sitcom which made Pauline famous alongside pal Linda Robson , 66, revealed her condition had sadly ‘gathered pace’ (top – bottom Linda, Lesley Joseph and Pauline in Birds of A Feather)
Rumours of a rift between Pauline and co-star Linda emerged when Pauline quit Birds Of A Feather in 2017 and her character Sharon Theodopolopodous was absent from the 2020 Christmas special, a year before her diagnosis.
A devastated Maurice, who co-wrote the sitcom with Laurence Marks, said: ‘I’ve always said that Pauline’s talent made our words sound better. It couldn’t be sadder,’
It comes after Pauline’s son Charlie said he had been ‘moved’ by the flurry of messages of support he’d received following Pauline’s diagnosis being made public.
Taking to his Instagram Stories to share a snap with his mother as he spoke about the diagnosis for the first time.
He penned in the caption: ‘Hi all, I just wanted to say a massive thank you to all of you for your messages of support, kind words about my beautiful mum and stories you have.
‘We, as a family are very moved and touched by all of them, and they have put a smile on all of our faces. We appreciate each and everyone of you. Thank you.’
Pauline’s co-star Linda has also broke her silence on ‘best friend’ Pauline’s dementia diagnosis in a heart-wrenching Instagram statement.
Linda, who as Pauline’s onscreen sister Tracey, wrote: ‘This will be the only time I speak on behalf of my best friend, Pauline.
A devastated Maurice (L) who co-wrote the sitcom with Laurence Marks (R) said: ‘I’ve always said that Pauline’s talent made our words sound better. It couldn’t be sadder,’
‘For the past three years, I’ve been in close contact with her husband, Steve, and have spent time with Pauline.
‘It breaks my heart to see her endure such a terrible illness. Out of respect for her family and her privacy, I will not be discussing this matter further. Linda x’
Pauline starred on Birds Of A Feather alongside Linda and Lesley Joseph from 1988 to 1999, and in a revival from 2014-2017.
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.
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.
The fall-out seemingly marked an end to Pauline’s much-loved character of Sharon, whose absence was explained by the character heading off on a cruise.
As well as her role in the comedy Birds Of A Feather, Pauline also had roles in Emmerdale, Broadchurch and a BAFTA-nominated performance in The Sculptress.
In a statement revealing Pauline’s diagnosis for the first time, her husband Steve said: ‘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.
‘Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours and as the founder of the very successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).
‘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 vision and guidance has facilitated many young peoples’ progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence.
As well as her role in the comedy Birds Of A Feather, Pauline also had roles in Emmerdale, Broadchurch and a BAFTA-nominated performance in The Sculptress
‘Pauline is perhaps best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous from Birds of a Feather, the hilarious sitcom that ran for nearly 30 years.
‘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 vision and guidance has facilitated many young peoples’ progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence.
‘Pauline is perhaps best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous from Birds of a Feather, the hilarious sitcom that ran for nearly 30 years.
‘In drama, her BAFTA-nominated role in The Sculptress, was outstanding, as was her role as the mysterious Susan Wright in ITV’s Broadchurch.
‘Demonstrating her acting versatility, she also starred or appeared in more than 60 TV and film production
s, including Carrie’s War, North and South, Casualty, Cold Blood, Thieving Headmistress, My Family, You, Me and the Apocalypse, and of course Emmerdale.’
He continued: ‘During her epic 50 year career, Pauline has been nominated for many awards, including Best TV Comedy Actress in the British Comedy Awards, Best Newcomer in the British Soap Awards and has received multiple nominations for Most Popular Actress and Most Popular Comedy Performer in the National Television Awards.
‘In 2022, Pauline was awarded an MBE in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours. It was a heartfelt recognition of her incredible work with young people, her contributions to entertainment, and her dedication to charitable causes.
‘Her acting career has now come to a close, but Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), with its network of approximately 250 academies and over 15,000 students across the UK, remains robust and will continue to operate as normal in accordance with Pauline’s ideology.
‘Our experienced senior leadership team will maintain the Academies’ success and growth, building on the foundations, ethos and philosophy that Pauline has inspired from the beginning in 2007.
‘We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period.
‘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.
‘We are deeply grateful for the support from her peers, the public, and the dedicated staff and Principals at PQA.’
