Loose Women break silence on Linda Robson's absence from show

The Loose Women broke their silence on Linda Robson's absence from the show today after her Birds Of A Feather co-star Pauline Quirke's heartbreaking dementia diagnosis. 

On Tuesday morning it was revealed that the 65 year old would be stepping away from acting following the diagnosis in 2021. 

Ruth Langsford, Jane Moore, Kelle Bryan and Janet Street-Porter spoke about the news at the end of Tuesday's instalment of the ITV show.

They also acknowledged that Pauline's co-star Linda, 66, was not on the show and Ruth said: 'Linda Robson, obviously great friends with Pauline, is actually away at the moment.

'Otherwise she would have joined us today to talk about her friend. 

'And obviously she has known for some time.'

The panel ended the discussion with a clip of Linda and Pauline in Birds Of A Feather.  

The pair have worked closely together over the years as Sharon Theodopolopodous and Tracey Stubbs on the British sitcom. 

Birds Of A Feather hit our screens in 1989 and was on the BBC until 1998.

The show was later released on ITV in 2014 until 2020. 

Pauline and Linda starred in 12 series together and two Christmas specials of the show.

Linda revealed that she is having the 'time of her life' on a Caribbean holiday just hours before Pauline's diagnosis was announced. 

Sharing a snap with a pal, Linda said: 'Having the time of our lives!' 

The TV star Linda is currently on a cruise near Granada and shared photos of herself alongside friends on the trip without knowing the announcement was to be released.

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Pauline's news was revealed on Tuesday morning. 

Her husband Steve Sheen - who she tied the knot with in 1996 - shared the news. 

In a statement, 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 people’s progression and interest in the arts, and enhanced their self-confidence.' 

At the end of the segment on Loose Women, Ruth said: 'We wish Pauline well. 

'And as Jane said, you're living with dementia. 

'We send you all our love and Linda will be here next week living all her memories as well.'

The star's last public appearance was two years ago after she proudly received an MBE at Windsor Castle. 

Pauline's academy - The Pauline Quirke Academy - also took to Instagram to share some words.  

They wrote: 'You may have seen the recent press announcement that our founder, Pauline Quirke MBE, will be stepping back from public life due to her diagnosis of dementia. The full announcement can be found at the link in our bio.

'We have been deeply moved by the messages that we have received, and it has been wonderful to see how many lives Pauline has touched through her work with PQA and in her 50 year career in film and television.

'Improving the lives of young people through the performing arts has been PQA’s ethos since Pauline and Steve opened their first academy in 2007 and remains central to everything that we do.

'We want to assure you all that things will continue as normal at PQA, and that we remain committed to delivering outstanding performing arts tuition.

'We hope you will join us in sending our love and support to Pauline, Steve and their family as well as respecting their wishes for privacy.'

Loose Women airs weekdays from 12:30pm on ITV and is available to stream on ITVX.