On Friday, Ms. Linda Robson issued a profoundly personal and emotionally charged update concerning the medical condition of her long-standing friend and professional associate, Ms. Pauline Quirke, in light of the latter’s diagnosis with dementia.
Ms. Quirke, aged 65, received her diagnosis in or around the year 2021. However, the existence of said diagnosis was not made publicly known until January of the current year, at which time Mr. Steve Sheen, Ms. Quirke’s spouse, elected to disclose the information formally.
Ms. Robson, aged 66, who has maintained a continuous personal and professional relationship with Ms. Quirke since their mutual attendance at primary school and through their collaborative work on the television series Birds of a Feather, stated that Ms. Quirke has recently experienced periods of improved wellbeing (“up days”) and has even expressed inquiries regarding Ms. Robson’s welfare—indicative of moments of lucidity and interpersonal recognition.
During an appearance on the Loose Women podcast, produced in collaboration with Mecca Bingo, Ms. Linda Robson disclosed to interviewer Ms. Jane Moore that she had recently been contacted by Mr. Charlie Quirke, the son of Ms. Pauline Quirke.
Ms. Robson recounted: “Charlie telephoned me and informed me that, at present, his mother is doing very well. While she continues to experience intermittent periods of emotional or cognitive decline, her overall disposition has been notably positive in recent days.”
She further stated that Mr. Quirke conveyed a particularly poignant moment when Ms. Quirke reportedly inquired, “Where’s my mate Linda Robson?” — a remark which Ms. Robson described as emotionally impactful, noting that she became “quite emotional” upon hearing of it.
Ms. Linda Robson, in a series of public statements, has offered reflective commentary concerning her longstanding personal and professional relationship with Ms. Pauline Quirke, following the latter’s diagnosis with dementia.
Ms. Robson noted that her relationship with Ms. Quirke dates back to their mutual childhood, stating: “We have known each other since we were ten years old. She has always been a remarkable actress and my closest friend.” She further recounted the transformative period during which both individuals rose to prominence through their roles in the television series Birds of a Feather, recalling: “Extraordinary opportunities came our way. When Birds of a Feather was released, we suddenly received invitations to high-profile events, including VIP access to venues such as Stringfellow’s. It felt incredibly fortunate at the time.”
In a statement issued in February, Mr. Maurice Gran, co-writer of Birds of a Feather, provided additional context regarding the progression of Ms. Quirke’s condition. He stated: “Since the diagnosis, her condition has advanced considerably. Although she remains only 65 years old, the impact has been profound. Initially, she herself sensed a diminishing mental clarity. Presently, we understand she has difficulty recognising members of her own family.”
In a separate interview with Bella magazine, Ms. Robson described the moment she first became concerned about Ms. Quirke’s wellbeing, stating: “I hadn’t spoken to her for some time and began to question why she wasn’t returning my calls. Eventually, her husband, Mr. Steve Sheen, contacted me. Ms. Lesley Joseph and I subsequently met with her for lunch, and it became apparent at that time—approximately three years ago—that something was amiss.”
Ms. Robson acknowledged that receiving confirmation of the diagnosis was emotionally difficult. However, she affirmed her commitment to respecting the privacy and confidentiality of the Quirke family, refraining from any public disclosure until the diagnosis was officially announced.#newsafro_
