Linda Robson broke down in tears on Loose Women on Thursday as she recounted her rise to fame on Birds of a Feather with ‘amazing’ Pauline Quirke.

The TV star, 66, shared some of her fondest memories with Pauline following her heartbreaking dementia diagnosis.

While reminiscing about their days rising to fame on Birds of a Feather, Linda confessed that the pair would stay out until 4 am to people-watch A-list celebrities in nightclubs.

The pair have worked closely together over the years as Sharon Theodopolopodous and Tracey Stubbs on the British sitcom.

She told fellow panelists Christine Lampard, Nadia Sawalha, and Kelly Brook that George Michael was just one of the many stars.

After revealing that she did not want to speak about Pauline’s illness, Linda said: ‘From ten years old we were at the same primary school and we did everything together.

Linda Robson broke down in tears on Loose Women on Thursday as she recounted her rise to fame on Birds of a Feather with 'amazing' Pauline Quirke
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Linda Robson broke down in tears on Loose Women on Thursday as she recounted her rise to fame on Birds of a Feather with ‘amazing’ Pauline Quirke

The TV star, 66, shared some of her fondest memories with Pauline following her heartbreaking dementia diagnosis
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The TV star, 66, shared some of her fondest memories with Pauline following her heartbreaking dementia diagnosis

‘We travelled all over the world with Birds of a Feather and we went to some amazing places.

‘At quite a young age we were in Stringfellows and we were there and Prince was in there. And we were touching him.

‘Just to say we touched a legend. We just had such amazing times. She was such an amazing actress and has such a lovely family.’

‘We were very naughty. We used our fame to go to so many different places. We were in a bar one night and George Michael was there with another lady.

‘And we went right, we are not leaving until George Michael leaves and were there until 4 am.’

But as she reflected on all the amazing memories between the two of them, the star started to tear up.

Pauline’s devastating news was revealed on Tuesday morning.

Her husband Steve Sheen – who she tied the knot with in 1996 – shared the news.

While reminiscing about their days rising to fame on Birds of a Feather, Linda confessed that the pair would stay out until 4 am to people-watch A-list celebrities in nightclubs
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While reminiscing about their days rising to fame on Birds of a Feather, Linda confessed that the pair would stay out until 4 am to people-watch A-list celebrities in nightclubs

The pair have worked closely together over the years as Sharon Theodopolopodous and Tracey Stubbs on the British sitcom
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View gallery

The pair have worked closely together over the years as Sharon Theodopolopodous and Tracey Stubbs on the British sitcom

She told fellow panelists Christine Lampard , Nadia Sawalha , and Kelly Brook that George Michael was just one of the many stars
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View gallery

She told fellow panelists Christine Lampard , Nadia Sawalha , and Kelly Brook that George Michael was just one of the many stars

In a statement, Steve said: ‘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 is perhaps best known as Sharon Theodopolopodous from Birds of a Feather, the hilarious sitcom that ran for nearly 30 years.

‘In drama, her BAFTA-nominated role in The Sculptress, was outstanding, as was her role as the mysterious Susan Wright in ITV’s Broadchurch.’

Birds Of A Feather hit U screens in 1989 and was on the BBC until 1998.

The show was later released on ITV in 2014 until 2020.

Pauline and Linda starred in 12 series together and two Christmas specials of the show.

The star’s last public appearance was two years ago after she proudly received an MBE at Windsor Castle.

Pauline’s academy – The Pauline Quirke Academy – also took to Instagram to share some words.

They wrote: ‘You may have seen the recent press announcement that our founder, Pauline Quirke MBE, will be stepping back from public life due to her diagnosis of dementia. The full announcement can be found at the link in our bio.

‘We have been deeply moved by the messages that we have received, and it has been wonderful to see how many lives Pauline has touched through her work with PQA and in her 50 year career in film and television.

After revealing that she did not want to speak about Pauline's illness, Linda said: 'From ten years old we were at the same primary school and we did everything together
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After revealing that she did not want to speak about Pauline’s illness, Linda said: ‘From ten years old we were at the same primary school and we did everything together

‘Improving the lives of young people through the performing arts has been PQA’s ethos since Pauline and Steve opened their first academy in 2007 and remains central to everything that we do.

‘We want to assure you all that things will continue as normal at PQA, and that we remain committed to delivering outstanding performing arts tuition.

‘We hope you will join us in sending our love and support to Pauline, Steve and their family as well as respecting their wishes for privacy.’