Linda Robson has given an update on her friend and former Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline Quirke, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and has since stepped back from public life

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Linda Robson was left feeling ‘really emotional’ when Pauline Quirke’s son gave an update on his mum’s health(Image: BBC)

Linda Robson has opened up about feeling “really emotional” when Pauline Quirke’s son gave an update on her dementia battle.

Pauline’s husband Steve Sheen announced the 61-year-old was retiring from public life in January. It came after she was first diagnosed with dementia in 2021.

Linda, who starred alongside Pauline in Birds of a Feater, says Charlie Quirke recently revealed his mum has “down days” but has been “quite up” recently. Pauline even recently asked about Linda, despite concerns she was struggling to recognise friends and family, reports Bristol Live.

Speaking on Loose Women: The Podcast, Linda said: “Charlie rang me and just said she is doing really, really well at the moment. Sometimes she has down days but at the moment she is quite up about everything.

“He said they got really, really excited when she said, ‘Here, where’s my mate Linda Robson?’ So I got quite emotional when he told me that as well.”

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Pauline starred in Birds of a Feather alongside Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson(Image: ITV )

Back in February, Maurice Gran, co-writer of Birds of a Feather, explained Pauline was experiencing trouble recognising her own family members. He lamented: “Since the diagnosis, her condition has gathered pace.

“She’s still only 65 so your heart goes out to her. Initially, she felt she was beginning to lose her grip. Now, we understand she struggles to identify members of her own family.”

Reflecting on their close-knit bond, Linda, 67, lauded Pauline as an “amazing actress” and her “best friend”. She said: “Amazing things have happened to us.

“When Birds of a Feather first came out, we started getting invited to everything. We got given VIP tickets to Stringfellows, and all these different places, we couldn’t believe our luck.”

Starring alongside Lesley Joseph, Pauline and Linda’s careers skyrocketed with their roles in Birds of a Feather from 1989 to 1998. The show returned for two Christmas specials after it ended.

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Linda Robson described Pauline Quirke as her ‘best friend’(Image: ITV)

However, Linda has confirmed that there are no plans for the beloved sitcom to make a comeback. She disclosed: “No, it’s not going to come back. Because of Pauline, she’s not going to work again now.”

The Loose Women panelist shared her heartache over Pauline’s condition after the announcement in January. On Instagram, she penned: “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.”

Pauline, known for her roles in ITV’s Broadchurch, Emmerdale, and the BBC’s The Sculptress, received an MBE for her service to charity, contributions to the entertainment industry, and her involvement with youth through her Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), which has educated over 15,000 students.

Steve made the heartfelt announcement of his wife Pauline’s retirement from acting, saying: “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.”

He continued to praise her impact: “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.”