Linda Robson reveals heartbreaking reason Pauline Quirke stepped out of the limelight before tragic... ngocc

LINDA Robson revealed why her Birds of a Feather best pal Pauline Quirke quit the limelight well before her dementia diagnosis.

The lifelong friends faced rumours of a feud several years ago due to being pictured together less and less, as well as Pauline's absence from Linda's lunch dates with their co-star Lesley Joseph.

But six years ago on an episode of Loose Women, Linda explained Pauline simply has no interest in living a celebrity lifestyle and insisted they remained firm pals.

The popular panellist added that the distance between their homes - Pauline lives in Buckinghamshire and Linda in Islington - meant they didn't see each other as often.

She said: "Pauline doesn't like doing celebrity stuff, she doesn't like live television. She's been on here once or twice and will only come on if I'm on it.

"We've never had a feud. We've been best mates and we're still best mates."

Last night Pauline's husband Steve revealed the actress, 65, is stepping down from professional duties after being diagnosed with dementia.

A statement read: "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 starred as Sharon Theodopolopodous in Birds of a Feather, which ran on the BBC and then ITV across nearly 30 years.

She was also nominated for BAFTAs for her roles in The Sculptress and ITV's Broadchurch.

In total, Pauline appeared in more than 60 TV and films, including Emmerdale and Casualty.

Across her career, she was nominated for Best TV Comedy Actress in the British Comedy Awards, Best Newcomer in the British Soap Awards and had multiple nominations for Most Popular Actress and Most Popular Comedy Performer at the National Television Awards.

She was also awarded an MBE in the late Queen’s final Birthday Honours in 2022, receiving the award from Prince William at Buckingham Palace.

Since stepping down from acting, the actress launched the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts.

The academy now has 250 sites with 15,000 students across the UK.

Hilary Evans-Newton, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: "We are saddened to hear of Pauline’s diagnosis and send our best wishes to her, Steve and the wider family.

"The family should be praised for making the brave decision to make her diagnosis public, which will not only provide more freedom for them, but also raise such vital awareness of the condition.

“We’re so grateful that Pauline and Steve have pledged to support our work when the time is right. We look forward to working with them to raise further awareness of dementia and funds for research.”