Linda Robson 'caught off guard' by Pauline Quirke's dementia announcement
Linda Robson was reportedly caught off guard by the public announcement of her Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis.
Quirke’s husband, Steve Sheen, shared the heartbreaking news, revealing that the beloved actress would be "stepping away from all commercial and professional duties" to focus on spending time with her family after her diagnosis in 2021.
Known for her iconic role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in both the original series and its revival from 2014 to 2017, the actress starred alongside Robson, who had privately known about her diagnosis "for some time," as revealed on Loose Women.
At the time the statement was released, Robson, 66, was enjoying a Caribbean cruise near Grenada and was reportedly unaware it was going public, according to the Daily Mail.
Just hours before the announcement, she had posted a cheerful photo of herself with a friend, captioned: "Having the time of our lives!"
On Tuesday’s episode of Loose Women, Ruth Langsford addressed Robson’s absence as the panel discussed Quirke’s diagnosis.
"Linda Robson, obviously great friends with Pauline, is actually away at the moment, otherwise she would have joined us today to talk about her friend," Ruth explained. "And obviously she has known for some time."
The Standard has contacted Linda Robson’s rep for comment.
Despite Quirke and Robson being friends since childhood, rumours were rife that they’d had a bitter falling out sparked when Quirke was noticeably absent from the Birds of a Feather special back in 2020.
For decades, they entertained viewers of the sitcom as sisters Tracey and Sharon, who were left to fend for themselves after their husbands were arrested for armed robbery.
Aside from not featuring in the 2020 special, Quirke’s lines in the title song were removed and so were pictures of Tracey and Sharon together. It was claimed Linda and Pauline had become estranged.
Addressing the issue at the time, Robson told The Sun: "Take no notice of what you've heard about me and Pauline falling out. It's a load of old codswallop. Pauline just chose not to do Birds of a Feather. She wants to concentrate on her acting academy, that's that."
She continued: "We've known each other since we were 10. We're friends. Will Pauline return to the show? I don't know. I just know that the Christmas special went down really well. ITV were really, really pleased."
In 2022, she and their co-star Lesley Joseph attempted to further quash any notion of a row with Quirke by having lunch with her and being sure to post pictures capturing the occasion on social media.
The comments come after her husband shared a statement on Monday revealing her diagnosis for the first time.
“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 said.
“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.”
Quirke’s final public appearance was a moment of triumph, receiving an MBE at Windsor Castle for her outstanding contributions to young people, entertainment, and charity. The TV star beamed with pride as Prince William presented her with the honour in February 2023.
Best known for her iconic role in the comedy Birds of a Feather, Pauline also delivered standout performances in Emmerdale, Broadchurch, and earned a BAFTA nomination for her gripping role in The Sculptress.
