Linda Robson has shared a deeply moving update about her lifelong friend and former Birds Of A Feather co-star Pauline Quirke as the actress continues her private battle with dementia.
Appearing on BBC Breakfast, the Loose Women panellist opened up alongside Pauline’s devoted son Charlie, who is preparing to take on a gruelling 140km trek across the UK in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK, inspired by his mum’s diagnosis.
Linda and Pauline, now both 67, first became inseparable at just ten years old after meeting at the same theatre school — a friendship that blossomed into decades of on-screen success.
The pair first worked together on Pauline’s Quirkes in the 1970s before starring side by side in Shine On Harvey Moon, Jobs For The Girls and, most famously, Birds Of A Feather.
Pauline quietly stepped back from public life after receiving her life-changing diagnosis in 2021. But despite the illness, Linda revealed the bond between them has never faded.
Speaking tenderly about their most recent meeting, Linda said:
“We met up about three or four weeks ago at a restaurant. It was so lovely. She was just giggling, really enjoying herself — she even ate everything. I left feeling happy because she was happy, and I know her family are looking after her so well.”
Charlie then explained how his emotional charity trek — which begins today, December 8, and concludes on Friday — will retrace meaningful locations from Pauline’s life before ending at the family home.
Linda added warmly:
“I’ve known him since he was in the womb. He’s such a good boy. Dementia affects so many families — my mum had it terribly. It’s the worst thing.”
Charlie said the walk is about celebrating his mother’s remarkable career while raising awareness:
“This trek is about my mum’s life and legacy. It’s special to be here with Linda today and get this started.”
The update follows further emotional revelations from Pauline’s family, who admit they are unsure what stage of the disease she is at — choosing instead to take things one day at a time. They shared that she is often still “funny, talking and happy”.
Her husband Steve Sheen previously recalled the moment they first noticed something was wrong when Pauline struggled to read a script.
“She phoned me and said, ‘The words aren’t going in,’” he said.
“We were in disbelief. We thought it was long Covid or the flu.”
Charlie added:
“No one tells you what stage you’re at. My mum still knows exactly who we are — every time she sees us she smiles, laughs and says ‘I love you’.”
Steve continued:
“It’s so gradual. For the first year or two you think she’s alright. Now, three or four years in, it’s different. That’s why awareness matters — we had no idea how long it lasts or how it progresses.”
Earlier this year, Pauline officially announced her retirement from acting. In a heartfelt statement, Steve said:
“It is with a heavy heart that I share Pauline’s decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties following her dementia diagnosis in 2021.”
He praised her extraordinary career — from her iconic role as Sharon in Birds Of A Feather to BAFTA-nominated performances in The Sculptress and acclaimed roles in Broadchurch, Emmerdale, Carrie’s War and many more.
In 2022, Pauline was awarded an MBE in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours for her tireless work with young people through the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, which now supports more than 15,000 students across the UK.
“Her acting career has now come to a close,” Steve said,
“but her legacy lives on.”
