Loose Women star Linda Robson has admitted “it has been tough” while opening up about her pal Pauline Quirke, who was tragically diagnosed with dementia in 2021
Linda Robson has shared a sad update about her good friend Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis.
Last month, it was announced that Pauline had been diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and was stepping back from acting. The actress, who starred with with good pal Linda in the BBC comedy Birds of a Feather, now struggles to recognise her own family members as her dementia has become advanced.
Loose Women star Linda has now opened up about her friend’s dementia and revealed they still keep in touch all of the time. She says the pair often speak on Facetime but Pauline “doesn’t say too much”.
Speaking to the Mirror at the TV Choice Awards, Linda said: “I knew about Pauline’s diagnosis for three years and it has been tough. I kept in touch with her husband Steve the whole time and she’s being really looked after.
“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.”
Linda’s also revealed Pauline no longer remembers who she is despite them being friends for 56 years. She told Express.co.uk: “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.
“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.”
Linda and Pauline were just ten years old when they met at primary school in north London. In 2016, Linda told Loose Women they’d known each other ‘practically from the womb’. She said they “clicked” from the moment they met.
Pauline’s husband Steve announced her retirement from acting last month. In a statement, he 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.”
He continued: “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 productions, including Carrie’s War, North and South, Casualty, Cold Blood, Thieving Headmistress, My Family, You, Me and the Apocalypse, and of course Emmerdale.”
He concluded: “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 (Pauline Quirke Academy).”
In 1989, the duo appeared as sisters in Birds of a Feather, with Pauline played Sharon Theodopolopodous and Linda playing Tracey Stubbs in the beloved sitcom.
Announcing Pauline’s dementia diagnosis last month, her husband Steve Sheen 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.” Within the heartbreaking statement, Steve paid tribute to his wife’s career, as he penned: “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 productions, including Carrie’s War, North and South, Casualty, Cold Blood, Thieving Headmistress, My Family, You, Me and the Apocalypse, and of course Emmerdale.”
Concluding, he requested privacy for Pauline and their family: “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 (Pauline Quirke Academy).”
Maurice Gran, who co-wrote Birds of a Feather, has explained Pauline finds it difficult to recognise members of her family. He said Pauline’s co-star Lesley Joseph rang him shortly before Steve announced Pauline’s diagnosis.
He told the Mirror: “Since the diagnosis, her condition has gathered pace,” he added. “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.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
