Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke (Image: undefined)
has opened up about the moment she sensed something “wasn’t right” with her dear friend Pauline Quirke. Diagnosed with dementia in 2021, it was only in January this year that Pauline’s husband, Steve Sheen, made the heart-wrenching condition public.
Linda, reflecting on her concerns for her ‘Birds of a Feather’ co-star, revealed her growing worry when Pauline stopped returning her calls. The 66 year old recounted to Bella Magazine: “I hadn’t spoken to her for a little while and I kept wondering why she hadn’t returned my calls.”
She continued: “Eventually, Steve phoned me back. Lesley [Joseph] and I went for lunch with her and that’s when we realised something wasn’t right with her, and that was three years ago.”
Upon learning the tragic news, Linda honoured the family’s privacy, keeping the diagnosis confidential while regularly checking in with Pauline and her loved ones. “I’ve known for the last three years that she wasn’t well,” the Loose Women panelist confided.
“I managed to keep it a secret. It was very important that I did, because it was up to her family when it was time for them to let everyone know. Steve was taking her away a lot, just to get her out of the country.”
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Pauline Quirke and her husband (Image: undefined)
In a statement released in January, Steve informed fans of Pauline’s diagnosis and explained that due to her illness, she had stepped back from all professional and commercial engagements.
Nonetheless, he assured that her UK-wide performing arts academy would persist, honouring her philosophy and legacy.
In a heart-wrenching update, Linda revealed that her long-time friend Pauline no longer recognises her during their FaceTime calls. The pair, who have been friends for over half a century, starred together in the hit sitcom Birds of a Feather alongside Lesley.
While Linda has ruled out any further filming for the show without Pauline, she plans to honour her co-star in other ways. Throughout her illustrious 50-year career, Pauline graced over 60 television and film productions including; The Sculptress, Broadchurch, Carrie’s War, North and South, Casualty, as well as ITV soap .
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Dementia manifests in different forms and affects individuals differently. However, the NHS outlines some common early symptoms that may appear before a diagnosis of dementia.
These include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, struggling with daily tasks, having trouble following a conversation or finding the right word, confusion about time and place, and mood changes. The NHS website clarifies: “These symptoms are often mild and may get worse only very gradually.”
It’s often referred to as ‘mild cognitive impairment’ (MCI) when the symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia.
The health system also emphasises that dementia is not a natural part of ageing, and urges anyone concerned about memory problems or other symptoms to consult a GP sooner rather than later.