ITV's Loose Women panellist Linda Robson has provided a heartfelt update on her wellbeing, following a challenging period marked by personal health concerns and the heartbreaking news of her close friend's illness.
A Personal Health Scare and Recovery
The actress, 67, revealed she experienced a significant health scare related to a pre-existing condition. Years ago, Robson suffered from gallstones which caused damage to her pancreas, leading to ongoing medical monitoring.
During an appearance on Loose Women last year, she explained that doctors were closely watching a cyst on her pancreas after scans showed it had grown from 1cm to 2cm. This development naturally caused concern for her family. "The kids have obviously been really worried about me," she shared at the time.
In a new interview with Bella Magazine, Robson offered a positive update, stating she is "alright now." Looking ahead, she plans to reward herself with a holiday once her pantomime commitments conclude. "At the moment, I'm just thinking about going on holiday as soon as the panto finishes," she said, describing the last twelve months as "an up and down sort of year."
Focus on Acting and a Heartbreaking Friendship
Robson's break from the Loose Women panel is partly to focus on her role in Aladdin this pantomime season. She also confessed a preference for acting over her television panel work. "I prefer acting, really. I think once I started doing Loose Women you become more like a celebrity than an actor," she admitted.
She recently enjoyed working with her former Birds of a Feather co-star Lesley Joseph on the drama The Good Ship Murder, filmed in Malta. However, the trio's dynamic has changed profoundly since their third co-star, Pauline Quirke, was forced to retire from acting.
In January, Quirke's family announced she had been diagnosed with dementia in 2021. Discussing the news on Loose Women, Robson broke down in tears, reminiscing about their lifelong friendship since primary school and the incredible adventures their sitcom fame afforded them.
An Emotional Reunion and Future Plans
Robson has since met Quirke for a private lunch, providing a tender update on her friend's condition. "She was giggling and happy," Robson told The Mirror. "She's being really well looked after and she did recognise me, which I was really pleased with as well. She's doing well."
With her health stabilised, Robson's immediate future involves a well-deserved break. She intends to travel to Cyprus with her two sisters shortly after her pantomime run ends, marking a positive step forward after a year of both professional dedication and personal resilience.
