In a heartbreaking update, the Loose Women stars have revealed new details about Pauline Quirke‘s dementia diagnosis.
Earlier today (January 21), Pauline’s husband shared a statement revealing that the Birds of A Feather star had to step away from acting due to her diagnosis.
He confirmed that she was diagnosed back in 2021, and has since pledged support to Alzheimer’s Research UK. And on Loose Women today, the panel opened up about the news, which they said they’ve known for some time…
Loose Women star Linda, who wasn’t on the panel today, and Pauline have been friends for years (Credit: ITV)
Loose Women stars address Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis
It seems the panel weren’t shocked to hear about Pauline’s dementia diagnosis, as they actually found out a while ago. The announcement today made the panellists reflect on their own experiences of the illness, though, admitting it seems “everyone knows someone affected”.
Jane Moore remembered her close friend Barbara Windsor, who passed away in 2020 following her own battle with the illness. Jane said: “It’s so good that people like Barbara and now Pauline go public. It speaks to other people going through the same thing and removes any feeling of awkwardness around it.”
She also credited Pauline’s husband for “taking control of the narrative”. And praised the fact that he announced the news when they were ready to do so.
Jane then confirmed that she and her Loose Women panellists “already knew”. “We obviously all already knew. A lot of people in the media knew, but you wait for the family in their own time. It’s medical information and it’s up to them.”
The I’m A Celebrity star continued: “She is very young to be diagnosed with it. Barbara was in her eighties but Pauline is only 65. Her life will go on, but she’ll just live it in a different way and very much surrounded by the love of her family.
“I just think it’s a really good message that your life doesn’t have to end when you’re diagnosed with dementia. It just becomes a different world for you and your loved ones around you.”
‘Must be difficult’
Ruth Langsford agreed with Jane, adding that one of the things that will be getting to Pauline will be stepping out of work.
“We know how passionate she is about her performing arts schools. So that must be difficult to know she can’t do that any more,” Ruth said.
It was better that people knew.
Ruth also recalled her own experience of the disease, speaking about when her dad was diagnosed. At the time her mum didn’t want anybody else to know. And, while she “thought she was protecting him” it made it more difficult in the community.
Ruth explained: “He fell while out in the village. Fortunately people knew him and knew where he lived. My sister and I had to convince her that it was better that people knew.”
Pauline’s husband revealed the news of her health diagnosis today (Credit: Cover Images)
Pauline’s friends are glad it’s out
One of the reasons the panellists are glad it’s out in the open is so people are aware if they spot her in the street.
Jane explained: “Pauline is well known. So people would come up to her while she is out and they will notice things. So now there is more comfort for her family. Because people now know.”
Janet is glad that the “attitude to dementia has changed” over the years. She recalled being younger and knowing not to mention anything about it. But now, there is so much more attention on raising awareness.
Linda Robson’s absence explained
Pauline’s Birds Of A Feather co-star and close friend, Linda Robson was absent from the panel today as she is on holiday. But Ruth informed viewers that Linda will be back on the panel next week and will share her own happy memories of Pauline.
“Linda Robson, who is great friends with Pauline, is obviously away at the moment otherwise she would have joined us today to talk about her friend. Obviously she has known her for some time. But we wanted to end this discussion on a happier note and why we all loved Birds of a Feather so much.”
The Loose Women stars then played clips of Pauline on Birds of A Feather doing what she has always done best, making people laugh.
Ruth then concluded: “We wish Pauline well and like Jane said you’re living with dementia. We send you all of our love. And Linda will be here next week giving her happy memories as well.”
News
VIDEO: A This Morning staff member has leaked explicit footage of Gino D’Acampo appearing completely n@ked while making inappropriate comments to his co-hosts, leaving audiences disgusted.
A past moment from This Morning featuring Gino D’Acampo has resurfaced, showing the celebrity chef appearing nearly naked on live television. The Italian-born chef, known for his playful antics, once presented a cooking segment wearing only an apron and a knitted ‘willy…
SNL’s Lorne Michaels is facing major backlash after viewers exposed the real reason he invited Kim Kardashian to appear on the show’s 50th-anniversary special.
The announcement of Kim Kardashian’s participation in “Saturday Night Live’s” (SNL) 50th Anniversary Special has elicited a range of reactions from fans and observers. While some view her inclusion as a testament to her cultural influence, others express confusion, questioning…
Ranvir Singh of Good Morning Britain left everyone in shock after confessing the huge price she’s willing to pay to stay with her much younger boyfriend: “I would sacrifice my entire fortune if he asked me to marry him.”
For over a decade, Ranvir Singh has been a familiar face on Good Morning Britain, first stepping into the spotlight as a political editor before becoming a co-host alongside Kate Garraway and Susanna Reid. In addition to her work on…
Strictly’s Nikita Kuzmin fought back tears as he revealed the devastating fear of LOSING EVERYONE HE LOVES: “I’m still struggling to reach my family…” What’s happening?
Nikita Kuzmin, best known for his dazzling performances on Strictly Come Dancing, was visibly emotional during his recent appearance on Loose Women. The professional dancer, currently touring the UK with the Strictly Come Dancing Live tour, took a break from…
Kate Garraway from GMB has sparked deep concerns after making an alarming statement about abandoning her children to reunite with her deceased husband. What pushed her to this point?
In a recent interview, Kate Garraway, co-host of ITV’s “Good Morning Britain,” opened up about the profound impact of her late husband Derek Draper’s final wish for her and their children, Darcey and Billy. Derek, a former political advisor and…
Alison Hammond from ITV This Morning faced outrage after viewers exposed the true reason for her absence from the latest episode: “She should be sacked…”
Fans of This Morning were left puzzled on Friday, February 7, when Alison Hammond was noticeably absent from the show, leaving viewers wondering about the reason behind her sudden disappearance. Alison, who typically co-hosts with Dermot O’Leary every Friday, was…
End of content
No more pages to load