Loose Women's Linda Robson breaks down on air as co-star says 'it is difficult'

Linda Robson was in tears on Loose Women as she spoke about Pauline Quirke's dementia
-Credit:ITV


Linda Robson was in tears on Loose Women as she spoke about Pauline Quirke's dementia for the first time on air. The two played the lead roles in the much-loved BBC comedy 'Birds of a Feather'.

Linda and Pauline were best friends on the show, which ran between 1989 and 1998. The Sharon and Tracey stars have been friends since childhood and trained at theatre school together. Linda opened up on their friendship after meeting when they were 10.

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."

ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE: ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ event coming to Merseyside town

READ MORE: Highway Code rule could see drivers fined £100 when parking near homes

Show host, Christine Lampard told Linda: "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 66-year-old became emotional and was supported by the other panellists on the ITV show. Christine told Linda to "take a little moment" as she was overcome with emotion. Christine told the studio audience and viewers at home "We are sending all our love to Pauline and her family."

In an Instagram post uploaded on Monday, the Loose Women panellist posted a recent selfie of the two friends. She captioned the image: "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.

ADVERTISEMENT

"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."

In a statement, Pauline's TV producer husband, Steve Sheen 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."

The statement continued: "We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period. For the time being we will not be engaging in interviews or making further statements, since Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren. We are deeply grateful for the support from her peers, the public, and the dedicated staff and Principals at PQA."

The Alzheimer's Society states on its website: "There are currently estimated to be 982,000 people with dementia in the UK. This number is expected to rise to 1.4 million by 2040."