Linda Robson, the beloved actress known for her role in Birds of a Feather, has shared an emotional update regarding her best friend, Pauline Quirke.

The heartbreaking revelation comes after Pauline’s husband, Steve Sheen, publicly confirmed that Pauline had been diagnosed with dementia in 2021.

At 65 years old, Pauline made the difficult decision to step away from her professional life and all commercial duties due to her health condition.

Linda’s Heartfelt Message to Fans

In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, Linda, who starred alongside Pauline for many years on Birds of a Feather, expressed her deep sorrow about the situation.

She explained that, although she had been in close contact with Pauline’s husband Steve, this would be the only time she would speak on Pauline’s behalf.

Linda shared, “It breaks my heart to see her endure such a terrible illness,” adding that she has been a constant presence in Pauline’s life for the past three years, supporting her and her family through this challenging time.

Linda also emphasized that out of respect for Pauline’s privacy, she would not be discussing the matter further.

The Bond Between Linda and Pauline

Linda and Pauline have been close friends for over five decades, having shared a long and successful partnership on Birds of a Feather from 1988 to 1999, and again in its revival from 2014 to 2017.

Their friendship has been a source of much admiration among fans, and the news of Pauline’s diagnosis has left many heartbroken.

Rumors of a rift between the two friends began circulating in 2020 when Pauline was noticeably absent from the Birds of a Feather Christmas special.

These rumors intensified after it was revealed in 2021 that the pair were no longer on speaking terms.

However, Linda has firmly shut down these speculations, insisting that there was no fallout between them.

Setbacks and Speculation Surrounding the Show’s Return

As fans of Birds of a Feather know, Linda and Pauline’s on-screen chemistry was a huge part of the show’s success.

The speculation about a falling out only grew when Pauline’s absence from the 30th-anniversary show in 2019 led to further discussion.

Insiders revealed there had been tensions between the two, which ultimately led to Pauline’s decision not to participate in the 2020 Christmas special.

Despite these challenges, Linda confirmed that she would be open to reuniting with Pauline for a Birds of a Feather revival if the opportunity arose.

At the Lifestyle Awards in November, Linda expressed optimism about the possibility of bringing the show back, noting how the anniversary generated a renewed wave of support from fans eager for more episodes.

Pauline’s Legacy and Her Decision to Step Away

Pauline Quirke, who rose to fame as Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather, has had a remarkable career that spanned over 50 years.

In addition to her sitcom success, she was also known for her BAFTA-nominated role in The Sculptress and for her appearances in Broadchurch and Emmerdale.

Pauline’s work in the arts and her philanthropic efforts, especially through the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), have left a lasting impact.

Steve Sheen’s statement not only revealed Pauline’s diagnosis but also highlighted her decision to focus on her academy, where she has mentored countless young people over the years.

Despite stepping away from acting, Pauline’s influence in the performing arts will continue through PQA, which now boasts 250 academies across the UK and serves over 15,000 students.

A Family-Oriented Future for Pauline

Pauline’s family, including her husband Steve and their son Charlie, who also followed in her acting footsteps, have been instrumental in supporting her during this time.

Charlie even made an appearance in the 2019 Birds of a Feather revival.

Pauline’s last public appearance was in February 2023 when she was awarded an MBE by Prince William for her contributions to young people, entertainment, and charity.

In her husband’s statement, he requested privacy for the family during this difficult period and expressed gratitude for the continued support from the public and her peers.

Pauline has chosen to focus on spending quality time with her family, children, and grandchildren, while her academy continues to flourish, ensuring that her legacy remains intact.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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