Pauline Quirke shared her dementia diagnosis with her Birds of a Feather co-stars in the months before it was made public, it’s been claimed.
Pals Pauline, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph appeared in the long-running comedy together for 10 series, with Pauline’s absence from two Christmas specials sparking rumours of a feud between the ladies.
Birds of a Feather ‘feud’ healed amid Pauline Quirke dementia diagnosis
Reports claimed that “real and tense issues” were the reason Pauline didn’t take part in the specials. A source went on to allege that Linda and Pauline were embroiled in a row behind the scenes. Then, in 2021, it was reported that Linda and Pauline weren’t on speaking terms.
However, Linda has previously addressed the reports. Speaking in 2023, she stated: “It’s a load of old [bleep] that we had a fallout. We have not fallen out and we have never fallen out. I have been best friends with her since we were 10 years of age. We never fell out.”
Lesley also addressed the reports, which saw sources claim the ladies had a “pretty acrimonious falling out in 2020”.
In early 2024, she told Woman’s Own they were all still friends, but commented: “Although I see more of Linda, because we both live in London. The three of us went through 30 years together. You can’t work that long with people and they not be in your life. It’s impossible. We used to be dreadful for making each other laugh – I remember once there were 23 takes and we really got told off!”
On-screen reunion shut down
On the subject of a reunion and a Birds of a Feather return, Lesley added: “I don’t think so. People adored that character and I want them to keep the image in their minds of how she was. And Pauline [Quirke] has given up acting really, she just wants to run her drama schools. She loves doing that and it’s been incredibly successful.”
She has been aware of Pauline’s diagnosis for a while and holds her and her family in her thoughts.
However, the ladies did reunite off screen. Shutting down feud rumours, a picture of the ladies having lunch was shared on Instagram. And, it’s been reported, that it was over a long lunch that Pauline told her Birds of a Feather co-stars about her dementia diagnosis.
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Linda Robson unaware diagnosis would be made public this week
According to The Sun, Pauline confided in Linda and Lesley about her condition over lunch months before it was made public this week. Linda was unaware a statement would be issued on Tuesday and had posted pics of her Caribbean cruise hours earlier.
Speaking about their alleged feud, the source claimed: “Slowly they started speaking again, and then went out for one or two lovely long lunches. Pauline opened up to them both after her heartbreaking diagnosis, and it was very emotional.”
They then added: “They both adore her and have been rocks. Obviously Linda wouldn’t have posted from holiday had she known a statement was incoming — she was mortified at the timing.”
Lesley Joseph ‘holds Pauline in her thoughts’ amid dementia news
Linda is yet to make a comment about her friend’s diagnosis. However, the Loose Women did say this week that, once she’s back from her cruise, she will share her favourite memories of her friend and co-star.
Lesley’s spokesman has issued a statement, though. It reads: “She has been aware of Pauline’s diagnosis for a while and holds her and her family in her thoughts.”
Pauline’s reps had no comment when contacted by ED!.
Read more: Pauline Quirke’s son issues statement and new picture following mum’s dementia news
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