Linda Robson has revealed why her friend Pauline Quirke wasn’t a fan of the ‘celebrity stuff’ during a chat on Loose Women before Pauline was diagnosed with dementia

Linda Robson has shared why her friend Pauline Quirke didn’t like all the “celebrity stuff”.

It was revealed yesterday by Pauline’s husband Steve Sheen that the actress will be retiring from “all professional and commercial duties” after being diagnosed with dementia back in 2021.

In a statement, he 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 and as the founder of the very successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA). Her talent, dedication and vision have touched countless lives, and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young people’s progression and interest in the arts, and enhanced their self-confidence.”

Linda and Pauline starred together alongside Lesley Joseph in Birds of a Feather ( 
Image:
Lesley Joseph/Instagram)

They concluded: “We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period. Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren.”

Pauline is best known for starring alongside friend Linda Robson in Birds of a Feather, where Pauline starred as Sharon Theodopolopodous. Linda played her on-screen sister Tracey Stubbs in the hit sitcom.

The pair have remained good friends throughout their life, with Linda previously rubbishing rumours of a feud between them.

Speaking on Loose Women six years ago, Linda revealed: “Pauline doesn’t like doing celebrity stuff, she doesn’t like live television. She’s been on here once or twice and will only come on if I’m on it.

“We’ve never had a feud. We’ve been best mates and we’re still best mates.”

Today, Linda did not appear on Loose Women, with host Ruth Langsford explaining that Linda had been aware of her friend’s diagnosis for “some time” but was on holiday or would have been there to talk about her friend.

Ruth told viewers: “Linda Robson, obviously great friends with Pauline, is actually away at the moment, otherwise she would have joined us today to talk about her friend. And obviously she has known for some time.”

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