Loose Women star Linda Robson was left in tears and unable to speak as she appeared on the show to discuss pal Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis

Linda Robson was left in tears as she spoke about friend Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis for the first time.

The Loose Women star spoke of her Birds of a Feather co-star while on the show and struggled to contain her emotions. Host Christine Lampard told her: “Clearly, you are there for her and you have got a bit of experience too. You will lean on each other going forward. It is so good thank you have got each other. It is difficult, Linda, I know. Thank you for sharing.”

The support prompted Linda to break down as she was supported by the panelists. She was unable to say anything in response. “We are sending all our love to Pauline and her family,” Christine added. She then told Linda: “You take a little moment.”

Linda discussed her friendship with Pauline ( 
Image:
BBC)
Linda opened up on her friendship with Pauline, having met when they were 10-years-old. She said: “We were at the same primary school together and we did everything together. We travelled all over the world, we went to amazing places. Because of Birds of a Feather, it opened many doors.”

The TV star continued: “We just had such amazing times and she was an amazing actress as well. She has got the most beautiful family, a loving husband Steve who was the love of her life. Her kids as well, she has got two kids and granddaughters as well.” Linda added: “We sort of did everything the same. We were really naughty. We used our fame to get into so many different places.”

Last week, Quirke’s husband Steve Sheen said she will retire from “all professional and commercial duties” after a diagnosis in 2021. On Instagram, 66-year-old Loose Women star Robson wrote: “This will be the only time I speak on behalf of my best friend, Pauline. For the past three years, I’ve been in close contact with her husband, Steve, and have spent time with Pauline. It breaks my heart to see her endure such a terrible illness. Out of respect for her family and her privacy, I will not be discussing this matter further.”

She struggled to contain her emotions
Steve said in his own statement: “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.” It was revealed on Loose Women last week that Linda had known about Pauline’s diagnosis for “some time”.

As the devastating announcement was released, Linda was on a Caribbean cruise. She was near the island of Grenada and was unaware the statement was to be released, according to reports. Linda’s Loose Women co-star Ruth Langsford also addressed her being away as Pauline’s health battle was discussed by the panel on Tuesday’s show.

Ruth said: “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.” Linda and Pauline have been friends since childhood, but have faced feud rumours over the years.