Linda Robson Breaks Her Silence on Pauline Quirke’s Quiet Battle with Dementia: “She Doesn’t Know Who Any of Us Are Anymore”
Linda Robson has shared one of the most painful updates of her life — revealing the heartbreaking reality of her best friend Pauline Quirke’s private three-year battle with dementia.
Last month, Pauline’s husband Steve Sheen confirmed the devastating news that the beloved actress would be stepping away from her extraordinary 50-year career, as her health continues to decline. But now, Linda, 66, has laid bare just how deeply the illness has changed the woman she has loved like a sister since childhood.
Speaking emotionally at the TV Choice Awards, the Loose Women star said:
“It’s very sad. We’ve been best friends since we were ten. I’ve known about it for three years and we managed to keep it quiet.”
Her voice then fell as she delivered the most devastating truth of all:
“She doesn’t know who anybody is.
She doesn’t know who I am… or who her kids are.”
Linda didn’t hold back about how cruel the illness is:
“Dementia is terrible. I’d rather get cancer, because at least then you’ve got a chance.”
A Pain She’s Lived Through Before
This heartache is painfully familiar for Linda. Her own mother also suffered from dementia, and she recalls the agony of watching someone you love slowly disappear.
“When my mum was in a hospice, she’d recognise us for a second… and then it was gone. It’s the worst thing. It really, really is.”
She fears how common the illness has now become:
“One in two people get dementia now. That’s a lot of people.”
“I Could Never Do Birds of a Feather Without Pauline”
Linda confirmed she will never return to Birds of a Feather without Pauline by her side.
“It wouldn’t be the same without her.”
But she did reveal a touching idea that’s close to her heart — a future television tribute to celebrate Pauline’s life and legacy:
“I would absolutely do a tribute for her. Maybe get Lesley involved, and celebrate her incredible career — the parts she’s played, the dramas, the laughter. She’s an amazing actress… and the most amazing friend.”
She also hinted at a future project with Lesley Joseph, simply saying:
“There’s something in the pipeline.”
Only FaceTime — And Fading Moments
Due to Pauline’s condition, Linda now only sees her through video calls.
“When she sees me, she smiles. But after a couple of minutes… it’s gone.”
She hopes to visit her in person soon.
“I just want to be there for her.”
56 Years of Friendship
Linda and Pauline’s friendship began 56 years ago, when they were just ten years old.
“We grew up together. We looked after each other all those years.”
She remembers their teenage days with affection:
“VIP, Stringfellows, the Hippodrome — we had the best time.”
And now, as Pauline needs care more than ever, Linda says simply:
“I just want to look after her… like we always looked after each other.”
A Private Pain Made Public
After the diagnosis became public last month, Linda shared her anguish on Instagram:
“For the past three years, I’ve been in close contact with her husband Steve and spent time with Pauline.
It breaks my heart to see her endure such a terrible illness.”
Once inseparable on screen and in life, Linda and Pauline’s friendship is now facing one of the cruellest tests imaginable — where memories fade, but love refuses to disappear.