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Linda Robson: ‘Heartbroken’ Birds of a Feather star speaks out on Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis

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5 days ago

January 28, 2025

Linda Robson: ‘Heartbroken’ Birds of a Feather star speaks out on Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis

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Birds of a Feather star Linda Robson says the dementia prognosis of her pal Pauline Quirke “breaks my coronary heart”.

It was introduced earlier this month by Quirke’s husband Steve Sheen that the 65-year-old, who has additionally starred in Emmerdale and Broadchurch, had been recognized with the sickness.

The actor is finest recognized for enjoying Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather alongside Robson. The much-loved BBC present ran from 1989 to 1998 earlier than being revived by ITV between 2014 and 2020.

The present, which additionally starred Lesley Joseph because the snobbish and flirty Dorien Inexperienced, revolves round two combative sisters whose husbands are despatched to jail.

Robson didn’t instantly reply to the information of Quirke’s sickness however has since posted a brief assertion on Instagram.

“This would be the solely time I communicate on behalf of my finest pal, Pauline,” the Free Girls star, 66, wrote.

“For the previous three years, I’ve been in shut contact along with her husband, Steve, and have hung out with Pauline.

“It breaks my coronary heart to see her endure such a horrible sickness. Out of respect for her household and her privateness, I cannot be discussing this matter additional.”

Quirke and Robson each starred within the slapstick movie Junket 89 and the collection You Should Be Joking! throughout the Nineteen Seventies, and later within the Eighties Shine On Harvey Moon.

Robson additionally appeared in Quirke’s chat present Pauline’s Quirkes, which she started presenting as a young person.

The BAFTA-nominated actor’s final public look got here in February 2023, when she was awarded an MBE by Prince William for service to younger folks, leisure and charity.

Final week, Quirke’s husband Steve Sheen stated she’s going to retire from “all skilled and business duties” as he revealed her situation, which he stated was recognized in 2021.

Pauline Quirke along with her husband Steve Sheen (Alzheimer’s Analysis UK/PA Wire)

In his assertion, Sheen stated: “It’s with a heavy coronary heart that I announce my spouse Pauline’s choice to step again from all skilled and business duties resulting from her prognosis of Dementia in 2021.

“Pauline has been an inspiration by means of her work within the movie and TV business, her charity endeavours and because the founding father of the very profitable Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA).

“Her expertise, dedication, and imaginative and prescient have touched numerous lives and can proceed to take action by means of the legacy of her work and thru PQA the place her imaginative and prescient and steerage has facilitated many younger peoples’ development and curiosity within the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence.”

Further reporting from the Press Affiliation