Linda Robson Health Update: Illness, Husband, and Career

Linda Robson, a familiar face on British television for decades as Tracey Stubbs in Birds of a Feather and a panelist on Loose Women, faced a serious health scare in 2024 that changed everything. This article traces her recovery, her closest friendships, and the questions still hanging over her career.

Age: 67 (as of 2025) · Known for: Birds of a Feather, Loose Women · Married to: Mark Dunford (1990–present) · Children: 3 (Lauren, Louis, Bobbie) · Net worth (estimated): £1.5 million · Recent health scare: Pancreas surgery (2024)

Several key facts about Linda Robson’s life and career, drawn from verified sources and public records:

What illness has Linda Robson got?

Details of the pancreas surgery

Linda Robson’s health problems stem from a pancreatic cyst that began being monitored after past gallstones damaged her pancreas. In September 2024, she told the Daily Mirror that the cyst had grown from 1cm to 2cm. Doctors warned that if it continued growing, they might need to remove her pancreas entirely—a procedure that would leave her diabetic.

Recovery and hospitalization

The surgery landed Robson in intensive care for ten days. She told the Manchester Evening News that she “thought she was going to die” during that hospital stay. A later 2025 report from the Daily Mirror confirmed she was still undergoing follow-up MRI scans and pancreas checks due to the gallstone damage.

The implication: Robson’s recovery isn’t a quick bounce-back. The pancreatic surgery was life-saving but came with a long, uncertain rehabilitation.

Why is Linda Robson not on Loose Women?

Health-related absence

Robson’s absence from the ITV daytime panel show is directly tied to her health crisis. She has not appeared regularly since late 2024. A HELLO! report from January 2025 noted that Robson was away while the panel addressed Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis—but her own absence was also health-related (HELLO! (celebrity and lifestyle magazine)). By May 2026, TV Guide (UK listings site) reported that she had not been on the show since early February, suggesting a months-long gap.

Return date speculation

In late 2025, Robson told The Sun (UK tabloid) that she did not know if she would return, partly because of ITV’s cuts to the show’s broadcast schedule. A Yahoo News UK report added that Loose Women faced reduced broadcast weeks from 2026 (Yahoo News UK (digital news aggregator)).

The catch: even if Robson’s health fully recovers, the show’s shrinking format may limit her return.

Has Linda Robson left her husband?

Marriage to Mark Dunford

Linda Robson married Mark Dunford in 1990. They have three children: Lauren, Louis, and Bobbie. No official statement from either party has confirmed a separation. However, speculation has risen alongside Robson’s health crisis. A 2025 report in Woman & Home (women’s lifestyle magazine) linked her prolonged absence from Loose Women to “family problems” in addition to health issues.

Rumors and verification

Without a direct statement from Robson or Dunford, the marriage status remains unconfirmed. The Daily Mirror and other outlets have not published evidence of a split. The uncertainty is typical for celebrities navigating both a health emergency and public scrutiny.

What this means: Fans looking for a definitive answer will have to wait until Robson addresses it herself.

Are Pauline Quirke and Linda Robson still friends?

Origins of their friendship

Robson and Pauline Quirke met at Anna Scher Theatre School in Islington in the 1970s. Their on-screen partnership as sisters Sharon and Tracey on Birds of a Feather became a defining sitcom of the late 80s and 90s. The show was revived from 2014 to 2020, bringing the duo back together (Wikipedia (user-edited encyclopedia)).

Current relationship status

Both have stated publicly that they remain close. In January 2025, when Quirke’s dementia diagnosis was announced, a Loose Women segment addressed the news while Robson was absent. Nonetheless, Robson has spoken warmly of Quirke in earlier interviews. No public falling out has been reported.

The pattern: This is one of British TV’s most enduring friendships, weathering both career breaks and personal challenges.

What is Linda Robson doing today?

Recent TV appearances

Robson continues to appear on Loose Women when her health permits, but her appearances have been sporadic since late 2024. She has not announced any new acting roles. A 2026 report from The Sun (UK tabloid) indicated she was scheduled to attend a Mamma Mia! The Party gala at London’s O2 arena, suggesting a slow return to public life.

Family life

Robson is a grandmother of two. Her son Louis is a trained actor, and her daughter Lauren has appeared on reality TV. In May 2026, Robson told Manchester Evening News (regional news outlet) that she was “on the mend” and had taken a back seat to recover.

Why this matters: Robson’s future in television is uncertain, but her family support network is strong. The next career move—if any—will depend on her health and the state of ITV’s daytime lineup.

Timeline of Linda Robson’s Life and Career

• 13 March 1958 – Born in Islington, London
• 1970s – Met Pauline Quirke at Anna Scher Theatre School
• 1989–1998 – Played Tracey Stubbs in Birds of a Feather
• 1990 – Married Mark Dunford
• 1990s–2000s – Appeared in various TV shows and films
• 2013–present – Regular panelist on Loose Women
• 2014–2020 – Revival of Birds of a Feather
• March 2024 – Underwent pancreas surgery, 10 days in ICU (Manchester Evening News)
• March 2024–present – On medical leave from Loose Women
• May 2026 – Robson says she is “on the mend” and had major surgery (Manchester Evening News)

Quotes from those close to Linda Robson

“I thought I was going to die.”

Linda Robson, speaking to Manchester Evening News about her ICU stay after pancreas surgery

“We’ve been friends since we were kids. She’s like a sister to me.”

Pauline Quirke, reflecting on her friendship with Linda Robson (as reported in HELLO!)

“We wish Linda a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming her back when she is ready.”

ITV spokesperson, quoted in Daily Mirror regarding Robson’s absence from Loose Women

For Linda Robson, the choice is clear: focus on her family and health, or risk returning to television before her body is ready. The rest—the show, the rumours, the spotlight—can wait.