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Pantomime occupies a deeply special place in Linda Robson's heart after years of appearing alongside her closest friend and Birds Of A Feather co-star Pauline Quirke. Yet this year Linda is stepping onto the stage alone, as Pauline's battle with dementia has forced her to retire from performing.

The pair were just 10 years old when they became friends and went on to enjoy a glittering joint career across television and theatre, particularly as sisters Sharon and Tracey in their much-loved sitcom Birds Of A Feather, which also starred Lesley Joseph as their flirtatious neighbour Dorien. So it comes as no shock that Linda, 67, is determined to maintain their friendship.

"I love her so much," says Linda. "Fifty-seven years we've been best friends. We were both 10 when we met at

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