Loose Women star and Birds of a Feather stalwart Linda Robson, 66, has admitted “it breaks my heart” following her close pal Pauline Quirke’s, 65, dementia diagnosis.
The 65-year-old actress was diagnosed with illness back in 2021 but her husband went public with the news this month to announce her retirement from acting.
Robson was on holiday at the time the announcement was shared by Quirke’s husband Steve Sheen but now, the actress has issued a message of her own regarding her co-star’s illness.
Taking to Instagram, Robson shared a series of snaps from the pair’s time working together.
Robson wrote in the accompanying caption: “This will be the only time I speak on behalf of my best friend, Pauline.
“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,” she signed off.
Quirke was best known for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather but also boasted acting credits in Broadchurch and Emmerdale among others.
Her husband Sheen revealed she would “step back from all professional and commercial duties” to focus on spending time with her family.
The announcement marked the end of Quirke’s celebrated career, which has spanned television, film and stage since the 1970s.
Quirke rose to fame in Birds of a Feather, which ran from 1989 to 1998 on BBC One before being revived on ITV from 2014 to 2020.
The sitcom followed sisters Sharon and Tracey, played by Quirke and Robson, who must fend for themselves after their husbands are arrested for armed robbery.
She also received a BAFTA nomination for her performance in The Sculptress and appeared in more than 60 TV and film productions, including Casualty, Cold Blood and My Family.
Throughout her career, she earned multiple nominations for Most Popular Actress and Most Popular Comedy Performer at the National Television Awards.
Beyond her acting career, Quirke founded the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts in 2007, which has grown significantly across the UK.
The academy now operates approximately 250 locations nationwide, teaching performing arts to over 15,000 students.
Her husband confirmed the academy “remains robust and will continue to operate as normal in accordance with Pauline’s ideology.”
In recognition of her contributions, Quirke was awarded an MBE in 2022 during the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours for her services to young people, the entertainment industry and charity.
The academy’s senior leadership team will maintain its success, building on the foundations and ethos that Quirke established.
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Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke on Birds of a Feather
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In his statement on Monday, 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.”
“Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours,” he added.
The family has requested privacy during this difficult period, with Sheen stating they will not be engaging in interviews or making further statements.
He explained that Pauline “just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren.”
Alzheimer’s Research UK has sent their best wishes to Pauline, Steve and the family as they navigate her diagnosis.
