Linda Robson has provided a fresh update on her long-time friend and former co-star Pauline Quirke, revealing she is “doing really well” as she continues to live with dementia. The Loose Women star, who recently underwent surgery to remove tumours from her pancreas, said she is now looking ahead after a difficult period of ill health.
The 68-year-old spent nearly two weeks in intensive care after complications linked to pancreatic problems caused by gallstones. The ordeal forced her to step back from work, but she now says she is preparing for a return to television and could reunite with her former Birds of a Feather co-star Lesley Joseph.
Speaking about her recovery, Robson told Woman: “Touch wood, we have come to the end of my illness. Me and Lesley are planning to work together on something in the next few months. I'm seeing her soon and we'll be discussing some TV offers we've been sent.” The pair have worked together on several projects beyond the sitcom, including Celebrity Coach Trip and The Good Ship Murder.
Offering an update on Quirke, whom she has known since childhood, Robson said: “I'm going to see Pauline soon too but at the moment she's been taken on a trip away. She's doing really well.” Quirke, 66, retired from acting after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2021. Her family publicly revealed her condition last year when announcing she would be stepping away from her career.
Robson also paid tribute to her children, Lauren, Louis and Bobbie, for supporting her throughout her health battle. Reflecting on the difficult months following her operation, she said: “I had to take a back seat for a little while to get better and now I am. I'm fine now. I'm on the mend. My kids have been amazing, they really have.” After months away from the spotlight, she says she is now focused on the future, with plans to return to work and spend time with both Lesley and Pauline as she continues her recovery.
