Actress Linda Robson has spoken out about her former co-star Pauline Quirke’s battle with dementia, saying she doesn’t think her friend remembers her anymore

Linda Robson has given a heart-wrenching update on her friend Pauline Quirke’s battle with dementia, revealing that the actress doesn’t speak much and no longer recognises her own grandchildren. Last month, Pauline’s husband Steve Sheen announced that she had been diagnosed with the illness in December 2021.

He stated that the 65-year-old actress had withdrawn from all professional and commercial activities, but her nationwide performing arts academy would continue to operate in line with her beliefs. Linda, who starred alongside Pauline and Lesley Joseph in the sitcom Birds of a Feather, has maintained contact with Pauline’s family since the diagnosis.

“I kept in touch with Steve the whole time over the last few years and Emily and Charlie too, those are her kids,” she shared with Love Sunday magazine. Linda, a Loose Women star, noted a significant change in her long-time friend, who she believes no longer remembers her.

“She doesn’t remember her grandchildren,” she said. “So, she’s not going to remember who I am even though we’ve been friends for 56 years. It really is sad.”

Despite finding it difficult to discuss her friend’s “terrible” illness, Linda expressed gratitude for the support shown towards Pauline. The actress is most recognised for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the sitcom Birds of a Feather, which aired for nearly three decades, reports Bristol Live.

Pauline (pictured left) starred in Birds of a Feather alongside Lesley Joseph (centre) and Linda Robson ( 
Image:
ITV)Over her 50-year career, she has appeared in over 60 TV and film productions, including The Sculptress, Broadchurch, Carrie’s War, North and South, Casualty, and ITV’s Emmerdale.

Dementia manifests differently in different people and comes in various forms. However, according to the NHS, there are some common early signs that may emerge before a dementia diagnosis.

Linda says Pauline doesn’t recognise her grandchildren anymore ( 
Image:
PA)

These include difficulty concentrating, struggling with daily tasks, having trouble following conversations or finding the right words, confusion about time and place, and mood changes. The NHS website states: “These symptoms are often mild and may get worse only very gradually.”

It further explains, “It’s often termed ‘mild cognitive impairment’ (MCI) as the symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia.”

The NHS also emphasises that dementia is not a natural part of ageing and advises seeking medical advice sooner rather than later if you’re concerned about memory issues or other symptoms.