Linda Robson breaks silence over 'heartbreaking' Pauline Quirke ...

Linda Robson has expressed her deep sorrow over her long-time comedy partner Pauline Quirke's dementia diagnosis, stating it "breaks my heart". The Birds Of A Feather duo have been a staple on the comedy scene since the dawn of their careers, spanning several decades.

In a recent development, Quirke's husband Steve Sheen announced that she will be stepping away from "all professional and commercial duties" following her diagnosis in 2021. Taking to Instagram, the 66 year old Loose Women star Robson penned: "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. 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."

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Steve shared his own heartfelt words: "'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's awareness of Pauline's condition was brought to light on Loose Women last week, revealing she had been privy to the information for "some time", reports the Mirror.

As the news broke, Linda was aboard a Caribbean cruise, near Grenada, and reports suggest she was not informed about the impending release of the statement. Ruth Langsford, Linda's co-star on Loose Women, also mentioned Linda's absence as the panel discussed Pauline's health struggle during Tuesday's show.

Ruth Jones disclosed: "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."

The longstanding friendship between Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke had been subject to speculation over the years, particularly after Pauline's conspicuous absence from the 'Birds of a Feather' special in 2020, which prompted rumours of a rift between the two. Fans noted Pauline's lines were missing from the title song, along with photos of their characters Tracey and Sharon.

Addressing these speculations in 2022, Linda told The Mirror: "People say Pauline and I have fallen out. Obviously I couldn't see her during lockdown but I've seen her since. She just doesn't want to act anymore. She's had enough - it's long hours. She's concentrating on her drama academies. She's very hands on, going to classes and all that."

Linda also shared insights into her relationship with Lesley Joseph, another co-star: "I see Lesley [Joseph] all the time because we won Celebrity Coach Trip last year. And during the lockdowns I would leave funny things on her doorstep, like Tena Lady and hair dye! But when I was ill, both Pauline and Lesley rang me, or a member of my family, every couple of days to see how I was. They were both a big support and really there for me."

In an effort to quash speculation about a supposed feud, Linda and Pauline were spotted together in the same year, sharing a photo from a lunch outing. As Linda explained on Loose Women: "We had our photo taken together and I got my daughter Roberta to upload it to my Instagram, captioning it: 'A lovely lunch with my beautiful friends.' It was our way of saying, 'There you go, that'll shut you up! '".

However, in a candid moment on the show in 2023, Linda confessed that she had once felt envious of Pauline's successful acting career, particularly when her friend landed more serious roles.

Linda revealed: "So I've never really been jealous of Pauline Quirke but I used to be envious of all the roles she got like dramas and everything."

She continued: "I used to think, 'Lovely, I'm really pleased for you but I would love to do some drama role as well'. But now I am doing drama roles, so I don't have to be envious anymore do I! But no jealousy can be a terrible thing really. I was delighted she was so successful but I just wanted a little bit of it as well and I wished I had got that."

It seems Linda has now found her own success in the drama world and no longer feels that pang of envy.