Pauline Quirke has 'forgotten who Linda Robson is' in heartbreaking dementia update

Pauline Quirke has 'forgotten who Linda Robson is' in heartbreaking dementia update Newspoint | 11/02/2025 08:39:17

Birds of a Feather star has shared that her close friend and co-star, , "doesn't remember" who she is after being diagnosed with dementia. The pair have been friends for 56 years, but now Pauline, 65, is struggling to remember those closest to her due to the devastating impact of the condition.

Speaking at the TV Choice Awards on Monday evening, Linda heartbreakingly told : "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."

It comes after star between her and Pauline. The 66-year-old clarified: "People say Pauline and I have fallen out.

"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."

Speaking to The Mirror in 2022, she added: "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."

Previously speaking about Pauline's illness, Maurice Gran, who co-created the award-winning sitcom Birds of a Feather, told : "Since the diagnosis, her condition has gathered pace.

"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."

He added: "I've always said that Pauline's talent made our words sound better. It couldn't be sadder."

Pauline's partner, Steve Sheen, announced that the former actress would be retiring from the showbiz world back in January - four years after her initial diagnosis.

In a poignant 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."