Linda Robson Shares Heartfelt Update on Co-Star Pauline Quirke Amid Dementia Diagnosis

Okay, so the user has given me a news article about Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis and her friend Linda Robson’s response. They want me to shorten it to about 600 words and add some pictures. Let me start by understanding the key points here.

First, I need to identify the main elements of the original article. The main news is that Pauline Quirke has dementia, announced by her husband, and her co-star Linda Robson providing updates. There are details about Linda supporting her via FaceTime, mentions of their show Birds Of A Feather, statements from the husband, the writer Maurice Glen, and Linda’s Instagram post. There’s also some backstory about potential past feuds and their careers.

Now, the user wants this shortened to around 600 words. The original is quite lengthy, so I need to condense without losing critical information. Let me go paragraph by paragraph and pick out the most important parts.

The first few paragraphs talk about Linda Robson discussing her FaceTime calls with Pauline, the lack of conversation, but the comfort of seeing her face. That’s crucial for the human-interest angle. Then there’s info about Linda dismissing Loose Women feuds, but maybe that’s secondary, unless the feud part is important. However, past rumors about a rift between Linda and Pauline were mentioned later when Pauline left the show, so I should include that to add context to their relationship and Linda’s current support.

The article mentions Pauline’s husband Steve Sheen’s statement and Maurice Glen’s comments about her condition worsening. These are important to show the progression and family impact. There’s also the son Charlie’s Instagram post thanking supporters, which adds a personal touch from the family.

The latter part of the article details Pauline’s career, her roles, and the husband’s lengthy statement. That’s important for her legacy but can be summarized. Also, the part about the PQA academy continuing without her is key but can be condensed.

Pictures are mentioned in the original with captions, so I need to note where to insert them. The user said "adding some pictures," so including a few key images would help. I might need to reference the existing image captions and place them appropriately in the shortened version to maintain context.

Next, check redundancy. The husband’s statement about her career is repeated, so I should consolidate that. Also, Linda’s denial of feuds and the background on their falling out during the show’s revival should be succinctly mentioned to explain the significance of her current support.

Now, structure: Start with the latest update from Linda, then move to the husband’s announcement, Maurice Glen’s comments, Charlie’s statement, Linda’s social media post, the background on their relationship and past rumors, and conclude with her career legacy and current family focus.

Be careful not to exceed the word limit. Let me draft sections and keep checking the count. Remove any repetitive quotes, like the husband’s statement sections that are duplicated in the original.

Also, ensure the flow is logical, moving from recent updates to background information, and ending with the family’s request for privacy. The images should be placed near the relevant content, like Linda at the event, Pauline with her husband, and maybe a still from Birds Of A Feather.

Avoid overly technical terms, keep language accessible. Verify all names and titles for accuracy. Check for any sensitive information or privacy concerns, but since the family has made public statements, it’s okay to include their comments.

Okay, let me start summarizing each section, trimming quotes where possible, keeping essential details. Combine similar points (e.g., the statements about her career into one paragraph). Cut down on the mentions of awards unless crucial — mention BAFTA and MBE as highlights.

Now, the images: The user has included several in the original. For a shortened version, maybe include 3-4 key images. The captions should be brief. The first image of Linda at the TV Choice Awards, then Pauline and her husband, the Birds Of A Feather cast photo, and Linda’s Instagram statement. That would add visual breaks and highlight important moments.

Word count check: Each image takes a paragraph, captions are short. The main text should be around 600 words. Let me adjust accordingly, ensuring the summary hits the key points without fluff. Avoid deep dives into the feud unless necessary for context. Include that there were rumors but Linda denies feuds now, focusing on her current support.

Okay, time to put it all together. Start with Linda’s update, then the announcement, then Maurice’s comments, the son’s reaction, Linda’s Instagram post, show history, the feud rumors briefly, and end with the family’s request for privacy and her legacy.
Pauline Quirke’s Close Friend Shares Heartfelt Update Amid Dementia Battle

Birds of a Feather star Linda Robson, 66, has shared a touching update on her longtime friend and co-star Pauline Quirke, 65, after Pauline’s family revealed she has been living with dementia for four years. Speaking at the TV Choice Awards, Linda told MailOnline she stays connected with Pauline through FaceTime, though their conversations are now minimal. “There’s not much conversation, but it’s nice to see her face,” she said. Linda plans to visit Pauline soon, emphasizing she’s “in the best place” with family care.

Linda Robson at the TV Choice Awards 2025 (Credit: Daily Mail)

Pauline’s husband, Steve Sheen, announced her diagnosis in June 2023, stating she would step back from public life. Writer Maurice Glen, co-creator of Birds of a Feather, shared that Pauline’s condition has “gathered pace,” adding, “She struggles to recognize family members.” The sitcom’s cast, including Linda and Lesley Joseph, 79, remain close, though Pauline left the revival series in 2017.

Family Support and Public Reaction
Pauline’s son, Charlie, 30, thanked fans on Instagram for their support, calling the messages “heartwarming.” Meanwhile, Linda publicly addressed the diagnosis on social media, writing, “It breaks my heart to see her endure this. Out of respect for her family, I won’t discuss it further.”

Pauline with husband Steve Sheen (Credit: Daily Mail)

Past rumors of a feud between Linda and Pauline surfaced when Pauline exited Birds of a Feather. Linda dismissed the speculation, stating, “Everyone talks about feuds—there are none. We’ve all been mates.” However, insiders previously noted “tense issues” during the show’s 2019 reboot.

A Storied Career
Pauline’s career spanned over five decades, highlighted by her role as Sharon in Birds of a Feather (1988–1999, 2014–2017). She earned a BAFTA nomination for The Sculptress and starred in Broadchurch and Emmerdale. In 2022, she received an MBE for her charity work and founding the Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA), which continues to thrive.

Pauline, Linda, and Lesley Joseph in Birds of a Feather (Credit: Daily Mail)

Steve’s statement praised Pauline’s legacy: “Her talent touched countless lives. PQA remains robust, guided by her vision.” The family has requested privacy as Pauline focuses on time with loved ones.

Final Notes
Linda’s unwavering support and the outpouring of public affection underscore the deep impact of Pauline’s work and resilience. As fans mourn the loss of her vibrant career, her family finds solace in cherished memories and the legacy she built.

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