Linda Robson Breaks Down Over Pauline Quirke’s Devastating Dementia Battle – 57-Year Friendship Faces Its Darkest Hour

 “I’m terrified this might be the last time I ever get to see my beloved Pauline…” Linda Robson, 67, broke down in tears on Wednesday’s Loose Women as she delivered the most heartbreaking update yet on her lifelong best friend and Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline Quirke, 66, who is now fighting a quiet, devastating battle with dementia. The actress, who has been noticeably absent from public life since 2021, has seen her condition deteriorate significantly in recent months, leaving Robson – her friend of 57 years – struggling to hold back sobs in front of the nation.

Robson and Quirke met at primary school in 1968 and became inseparable, later starring together as the iconic Sharon and Tracey in the BBC sitcom that ran from 1989 to 1998 and returned for three revival series between 2014 and 2020. Their on-screen chemistry was legendary, but their off-screen bond was even stronger – holidaying together, raising their children side by side, and supporting each other through divorces, grief, and fame. “Pauline’s my soulmate,” Robson has said repeatedly. “We finish each other’s sentences.”

But the last two years have been cruel. Quirke quietly withdrew from public life after the final Birds of a Feather Christmas special in 2020, citing “personal reasons.” Insiders now confirm the real reason was early-onset dementia, diagnosed privately in late 2021. Robson, who has been by her side throughout, told the Loose Women panel: “She’s still my Pauline, but some days she doesn’t know who I am. It breaks my heart every time. I’m terrified this might be the last time I ever get to see the real her.”

The emotional segment saw Robson, usually the panel’s comic relief, dissolve into tears as she described recent visits: “She’ll laugh at old photos of us, then suddenly ask who the woman next to her is. That’s me. I’ve been her best mate for 57 years.” Co-star Nadia Sawalha hugged her as the audience wept. “We’ve had the best life together,” Robson continued. “I just want one more proper laugh with her.”

Quirke’s family has asked for privacy, but a close friend told The Mirror: “It’s progressing faster than anyone hoped. Linda visits as much as she can, but it’s heartbreaking for everyone.” Robson has vowed to keep their friendship alive however she can: “I’ll talk to her about our memories every day until she remembers – or until I can’t anymore.”

The outpouring of love has been immense. #PaulineAndLinda has trended with over 1.2 million posts, fans sharing clips of classic Birds scenes and messages of support. Lesley Joseph, their third co-star, posted: “Pauline is family. We love her and we’re all holding Linda tight.”

As the nation watches two childhood friends face the cruellest twist yet, one thing is clear: the love between Sharon and Tracey – between Linda and Pauline – will never fade, even if memory does.