Linda Robson has opened up about becoming “emotional” after receiving a health update about her friend Pauline Quirke.

Loose Women panelist Linda, 67, and her Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline, 65, have known each other for over 50 years, since their childhood in north London.

Sadly, earlier this year, Pauline’s husband Steve Sheen confirmed his actress wife has dementia, having been diagnosed in 2021.

And now, four months on, Linda has shared further news on Pauline’s condition, admitting she has “down days”.

Birds of a Feather cast members act out a scene (Credit: YouTube)

Linda Robson shares Pauline Quirke health update

Appearing on the Loose Women podcast, Linda is reported to have revealed that Pauline’s son Charlie called her up.

He is said to have explained his mum has been feeling positive. Furthermore, Charlie reportedly told Linda that Pauline had asked after her.

Linda is said to have said: “Charlie rang me and just said she is doing really, really well at the moment. Sometimes she has down days but at the moment she is quite up about everything.

I got quite emotional when he told me that as well.

“He said they got really, really excited when she said, ‘Here, where’s my mate Linda Robson?’ So I got quite emotional when he told me that as well.”

‘It breaks my heart to see her endure such a terrible illness’

Linda told social media followers her ‘heart was broken’ over what Pauline was going through when her dementia was announced.

She said at the time as she uploaded snaps of the friends together: “For the past three years, I’ve been in close contact with her husband, Steve, and have spent time with Pauline. It breaks my heart to see her endure such a terrible illness. Out of respect for her family and her privacy, I will not be discussing this matter further.”

When appearing on Loose Women a week later, Linda did not address Pauline’s dementia. But she did hail her friend as an “amazing actress” and remembered their bond: “We had great times back in the day.”

‘Pauline Quirke is doing really, really well at the moment’ (Credit: YouTube)

‘She struggles to identify members of her own family’

Additionally, in February, it was reported that Pauline was enduring problems with recognising those closest to her.

Birds of a Feather co-writer Maurice Gran told the Mirror: “Since the diagnosis, her condition has gathered pace. She’s still only 65 so your heart goes out to her. Initially, she felt she was beginning to lose her grip. Now, we understand she struggles to identify members of her own family.”

He added: “It couldn’t be sadder.”

Wishing Pauline and her family all the best.