Linda Robson has opened up about the moment she realised that close friend Pauline Quirke ‘wasn’t right’. 

Pauline, 65, was diagnosed with dementia in 2021, but the illness only became public knowledge when her husband Steve Sheen made an announcement in January this year.

Linda, 66, who has been friends with her Birds of a Feather co-star since they were in primary school together, has now said she first felt concerned when Pauline stopped returning her calls.    

Linda told Bella Magazine on Tuesday: ‘I hadn’t spoken to her for a little while and I kept wondering why she hadn’t returned my calls. 

‘Eventually, Steve phoned me back. Lesley [Joseph] and I went for lunch with her and that’s when we realised something wasn’t right with her, and that was three years ago.’

Linda found the news hard, but respected the family’s privacy and kept the diagnosis confidential. 

Linda Robson has opened up on Tuesday about the moment she realised that close friend Pauline Quirke ‘wasn’t right’

Pauline, 65, was diagnosed with dementia in 2021, but the illness only became public knowledge when her husband Steve Sheen made an announcement in January this year; pictured 1998

She said: ‘I’ve known for the last three years that she wasn’t well. I managed to keep it a secret. It was very important that I did, because it was up to her family when it was time for them to let everyone know.’ 

The Loose Women star heartbreakingly revealed that Pauline, her friend of over 50 years, no longer recognises her or speaks much during their FaceTime calls.

Last month, Linda told MailOnline: ‘I’ve been FaceTiming. There’s not much conversation but it’s just nice to see her face really.’

Linda also discussed the warm reaction she has had from people who speak to her about Pauline, saying: ‘Yeah people do say, sorry to hear about your friend.’

Revealing her plans to see her soon, she said: ‘She’s in the best place and she’s got family looking after her. Hopefully I’m going to go and see her next week.’

It was reported last month that Pauline can no longer recognise family amid her devastating battle with dementia. 

Her husband Steve Sheen announced in a statement last month that she would be ‘stepping away from all commercial and professional duties’ after living with the disease for four years. 

Pauline starred on Birds Of A Feather alongside Linda and Lesley Joseph from 1988 to 1999, and in a revival from 2014-2017. 

As well as her role in the comedy Birds Of A Feather, Pauline also had roles in Emmerdale, Broadchurch and a BAFTA-nominated performance in The Sculptress.

Linda, 66, who has been friends with her Birds of a Feather co-star since they were in primary school together, and said she felt concerned when Pauline stopped returning her calls

The Loose Women star heartbreakingly revealed that Pauline, her friend of over 50 years, no longer recognises her or speaks much during their FaceTime calls; pictured 2015 

In a statement revealing Pauline’s diagnosis for the first time, her husband Steve said: ‘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.

‘Pauline has been an inspiration through her work in the film and TV industry, her charity endeavours and as the founder of the very successful Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA). 

‘Her talent, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young peoples’ progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence.

‘Pauline is perhaps best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous from Birds of a Feather, the hilarious sitcom that ran for nearly 30 years.

‘Her talent, dedication, and vision have touched countless lives and will continue to do so through the legacy of her work and through PQA where her vision and guidance has facilitated many young peoples’ progression and interest in the Arts and enhanced their self-confidence.

‘Pauline is perhaps best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous from Birds of a Feather, the hilarious sitcom that ran for nearly 30 years.

‘In drama, her BAFTA-nominated role in The Sculptress, was outstanding, as was her role as the mysterious Susan Wright in ITV’s Broadchurch. 

‘Demonstrating her acting versatility, she also starred or appeared in more than 60 TV and film productions, including Carrie’s War, North and South, Casualty, Cold Blood, Thieving Headmistress, My Family, You, Me and the Apocalypse, and of course Emmerdale.’

He continued: ‘During her epic 50 year career, Pauline has been nominated for many awards, including Best TV Comedy Actress in the British Comedy Awards, Best Newcomer in the British Soap Awards and has received multiple nominations for Most Popular Actress and Most Popular Comedy Performer in the National Television Awards. 

Her husband Steve Sheen announced in a statement last month that the the Birds Of A Feather star would be ‘ stepping away from all commercial and professional duties’ after living with the disease for four years  (pictured together) 

Pauline married her husband Steve in 1996, and they share son Charlie, 30, while the actress also has daughter Emily, 40, from a previous relationship (pictured in 2010)

Read MoreEXCLUSIVE Linda Robson shares update on Pauline Quirke following dementia diagnosis

‘In 2022, Pauline was awarded an MBE in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours. It was a heartfelt recognition of her incredible work with young people, her contributions to entertainment, and her dedication to charitable causes.

‘Her acting career has now come to a close, but Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), with its network of approximately 250 academies and over 15,000 students across the UK, remains robust and will continue to operate as normal in accordance with Pauline’s ideology. 

‘Our experienced senior leadership team will maintain the Academies’ success and growth, building on the foundations, ethos and philosophy that Pauline has inspired from the beginning in 2007.

‘We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period.

‘For the time being we will not be engaging in interviews or making further statements, since Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren.

‘We are deeply grateful for the support from her peers, the public, and the dedicated staff and Principals at PQA.’