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)
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