Linda Robson breaks silence on 'best friend' Pauline Quirke's 'terrible illness'
Linda Robson has broken her silence over her long-time comedic ally Pauline Quirke's battle with dementia. The acting duo, famed for their roles in Birds Of A Feather, have been professional partners since the dawn of their careers.
In light of Quirke's husband Steve Sheen's statement last week that she will withdraw from "all professional and commercial duties" following a diagnosis in 2021, Linda took to Instagram, where the 66 year old Loose Women star shared pictures of her with Pauline.
She 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.
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"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."
Steve Sheen, issuing a statement of his own, 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."
Linda has been taking a break from Loose Women, and is said to be on a cruise. The ITV show's panel discussed Linda's absence as they discussed Pauline's health struggles on Tuesday.
Ruth Langsford 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."