Linda Robson, a beloved British actress and television personality, has recently opened up about her close friend Pauline Quirke’s battle with dementia, sharing a deeply personal and emotional account of how she first realized something was wrong with her dear friend. The two women have shared a bond that spans over five decades, having met in primary school and later becoming household names together in the hit British sitcom Birds of a Feather. Their friendship has been a cornerstone of their lives, and Linda’s love and concern for Pauline shine through as she recounts the moments that led her to understand the severity of Pauline’s condition.
Linda revealed that her worries began when Pauline, now 65, stopped returning her calls. The two had been inseparable for most of their lives, so this sudden change in behavior was unsettling for Linda. She confessed to Bella Magazine that she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss. Eventually, Pauline’s husband, Steve Sheen, reached out to Linda and explained the situation. Along with their mutual friend Lesley Joseph, Linda arranged to meet Pauline for lunch, and it was during this meeting, three years ago, that Linda and Lesley first noticed that Pauline wasn’t herself. They left the lunch with a heavy heart, realizing that their friend was struggling with something serious. Linda later learned of Pauline’s dementia diagnosis in 2021 but chose to keep the news private out of respect for Pauline and her family.
Speaking about the diagnosis, Linda admitted that it was incredibly difficult to process. She had known for three years that Pauline was unwell but had kept the secret to honor the family’s wish for privacy. Linda shared that it was important to her to respect their boundaries and allow them the time and space they needed before sharing the news publicly. The challenge of witnessing her lifelong friend’s decline has been heartbreaking for Linda, who described the pain of seeing Pauline’s condition progress over the years. Despite the struggles, Linda remains a steadfast friend, using technology like FaceTime to stay connected with Pauline, even though their conversations are now limited. Linda recently shared that while their interactions have changed, it brings her comfort to simply see Pauline’s face and maintain that connection.
Pauline’s husband, Steve Sheen, made the difficult decision to go public with her diagnosis earlier this year, announcing in a statement that she would be stepping away from all professional and commercial duties due to her condition. The statement was met with an outpouring of love and support from fans and colleagues alike, who have long admired Pauline’s incredible body of work and her enduring impact on the entertainment industry. Pauline, a BAFTA-nominated actress, is best known for her iconic role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather, a character that endeared her to millions of viewers during the show’s nearly 30-year run. Her versatility as an actress is evident in her wide-ranging roles in dramas like Broadchurch and The Sculptress, as well as her contributions to numerous other TV and film productions.
In addition to her acting career, Pauline has left an indelible mark on the world through her work with young people. She founded the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA) in 2007, an organization that has grown to include over 250 academies across the UK, providing thousands of young people with the opportunity to explore their passion for the arts. Steve Sheen emphasized that while Pauline is no longer actively involved in the entertainment industry, her legacy lives on through the academy, which will continue to thrive under the leadership of its dedicated team. Pauline’s dedication to nurturing talent and building confidence in young people has been recognized with an MBE, awarded in 2022 for her contributions to the arts and charitable causes.
As Pauline continues to navigate her journey with dementia, her family has asked for privacy and understanding during this challenging time. Linda Robson, among many others, has been a source of support and love for Pauline and her family. The public’s response has been heartwarming, with fans expressing their sorrow and gratitude for the joy Pauline has brought into their lives through her work. While her acting career has come to an end, Pauline’s impact on the entertainment industry and the lives of countless young people will endure. Her story serves as a reminder of the power of friendship, the importance of legacy, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
