In a heartbreaking update, the Loose Women stars have revealed new details about Pauline Quirke‘s dementia diagnosis.

ED Split pic: Jane Moore and Pauline Quirke

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…

Linda Robson and Pauline Quirke sitting beside each other on Loose Women
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 Quirke posing with a smile at event
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.”