Linda Robson shares the most heartbreaking update on best friend Pauline Quirke

Birds of a Feather star Linda Robson has shared a heartbreaking update about her best pal Pauline Quirke, following the news that she has dementia.

Pauline’s husband, Steve, announced last month that the actress would be stepping back from her career. She was diagnosed with the progressive brain disease in 2021.

Linda has now shared a new update on Pauline’s diagnosis while supporting her best friend and her family through the difficult time.

Loose Women star is afraid Pauline won’t remember her (Credit: ITV)

Linda Robson on FaceTimes with Pauline Quirke

The 66-year-old Loose Women star revealed that Pauline’s condition has deteriorated

While talking to The Express at the TV Choice Awards last night (February 10), Linda said: “I knew about Pauline’s diagnosis for three years and it has been tough. I kept in touch with her husband Steve the whole time and she’s being really looked after.”

She doesn’t remember her grandchildren so she’s not going to remember who I am, even though we’ve been friends 56 years.

She added: “We FaceTime a lot but she doesn’t say too much, we’re always in contact and I’m seeing her next week. It’s nice to see the support for her but it can be upsetting to talk about it.”

Linda also shared her worries that her best friend won’t recognise her when she sees her as she struggles to identify her closest family members.

The actress said: “I have noticed a real difference with her; she doesn’t remember her grandchildren so she’s not going to remember who I am, even though we’ve been friends 56 years. It really is sad.”

Pauline Quirke was diagnosed with dementia in 2021 (Credit: Splash News)

Pauline’s family is taking care of her

While making Pauline’s diagnosis public, Steve said his wife wants to focus on spending time with her family.

“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,” he said at the time. Friends and family have extended their support to the actress since her condition was made public.

Expressing his concerns about Linda, Maurice Gran, who co-wrote Birds of Feather alongside Laurence Marks, also revealed that she is struggling to identify her family members.

He said: “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.”

Pauline has been married to Steve since 1996 and they share a son named Charlie together. She also has a daughter, Emily, from her previous relationship.