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LINDA Robson has broken her silence on her friend Pauline Quirke’s diagnosis with dementia.

Last week actress Pauline‘s husband Steve Sheen revealed she would be stepping back from her 50-year career after living with the syndrome since 2021.

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Now Linda, 66 – who has known Pauline, 65 since they were 10 – has spoken out in a post on Instagram.

Sharing some snaps of them together, Linda wrote: “This will be the only time I speak on behalf of my best friend, Pauline.

“For the past three years, I’ve been in close contact with her husband, Steve, and have spent time with Pauline.

“It breaks my heart to see her endure such a terrible illness.”

Linda added: “Out of respect for her family and her privacy, I will not be discussing this matter further.”

Pauline and Linda starred together in Birds of a Feather as Sharon Theodopolopodous and Tracey Stubbs.

The sitcom ran on the BBC and then ITV across nearly 30 years.

A statement from Pauline’s husband Steve last week read: “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.”

In 2007 Pauline launched the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts.

The academy now has 250 sites with 15,000 students across the UK.

Pauline and Linda starred in Birds of a Feather alongside Lesley Joseph.

The trio had a falling out in 2020 but their rift was healed when Pauline shared her heartbreaking diagnosis with them over lunch.

An insider said they had a “pretty acrimonious falling out in 2020”.

The source went on: “Slowly they started speaking again, and then went out for one or two lovely long lunches.

“Pauline opened up to them both after her heartbreaking diagnosis, and it was very emotional.”

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A BRITISH woman and her fiance were allegedly fatally poisoned by methanol-laced limoncello mysteriously delivered to their Vietnam hotel.

Newly engaged couple Greta Marie Otteson, 33, and Arno Els Quinton, 36, are believed to have received two bottles of the “homemade” liqueur from a local restaurant on Christmas Eve.

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Greta Marie Otteson and her fiance Arno Quinton Els were found dead on Boxing Day at the Hoi An Silverbell villa in Hoi An Town, Vietnam[/caption]

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The pair announced their engagement just weeks before they were found dead[/caption]

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Authorities inspecting the room where they were found[/caption]

But the couple’s bodies were tragically found in separate rooms inside the Hoi An Silverbell Villa two days later on Boxing Day – three weeks after their engagement.

Cops launched an urgent probe into their deaths with officers saying they found empty bottles inside the rooms of the villa they were managing for 10 months.

Now cops say the couple’s deaths were caused by methanol poisoning from contaminated alcohol, believed to be “homemade” limoncello purchased from a local restaurant on Christmas Eve.

Greta’s mother, Susan, had recently visited the couple in Vietnam, where they had moved in February last year.

In one of Greta and Arno’s final photos, taken December 23, the couple stood proudly next to a newly purchased moped that was “red for Wales”.

The following night, two bottles of limoncello were delivered to the hotel reception from a different restaurant.

A source close to the family told The Times: “Police forensics established the limoncello, which had been delivered, was the source.”

The next morning, Greta messaged her parents, describing “the worst hangover ever” and seeing “black spots” in her vision.

Despite these alarming symptoms, the couple decided to “sleep it off.”

A concerned local bar owner offered to take them to the hospital, but they declined.

Tragically, both were found dead hours later — Greta in her bed and Arno in a nearby room.

Methanol, a toxic industrial chemical, is often found in counterfeit or home-brewed alcohol.

Even small amounts can lead to blindness, brain damage, and death.

Greta’s devastated parents, Susan and Paul, said in a statement: “Greta and Arno were experienced worldwide travellers.

“They found their perfect home and were incredibly happy.”

Paul, originally from Swansea, shared a photo of the couple, smiling at each other during their engagement photoshoot, and described Arno as “a lovely boy…a great musician, composer, and lyricist.”

Greta and Arno had been living a dream life in Vietnam.

They had met in the Middle East while travelling before deciding to spontaneously move to the Asian country.

Social media marketing manager Greta had been living in Dubai and backpacked around Asia before meeting barista and musician Arno.

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Brit Greta sent a final message to her parents saying she wasn’t feeling well[/caption]

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Arno Els was described as ‘a lovely boy’ by Greta’s dad Paul[/caption]

He described the move to Vietnam as “fun”, “crazy”, and “insane” in a heartwarming clip he posted on social media.

Instagram posts showed them exploring local beauty spots, rescuing a dog named Bambi, and running the Silverbell Villa, which guests praised as “beautifully kept” with “fabulous hosts.”

The luxury villa with its own pool has a 4.5-star rating and is located just 4.5 km from Hoi An Ancient Town, making it a popular tourist destination.

An Instagram post on December 3 made their engagement official and this was followed by a romantic YouTube video on December 11, two weeks before they died.

The video production company Red Eye Studios shared the video saying: “This shoot was charged with so much emotion, reminding us how powerful the union of two souls can be. We will miss you great souls.”

Greta donned a white dress and was filmed walking hand-in-hand with her husband-to-be before the pair danced and laughed on the beach.

Friends have since paid tribute to the loved-up couple following their shocking deaths.

One said: “Greta loved Arno unconditionally and was his bedrock, giving him the freedom to do what he needed to without a faltering foundation.

“There are two distinct things that are so prominent in my thoughts and that is her laugh and how much love they constantly [threw] at each other, regardless of who was around.

“They celebrated each other there and I know they will continue doing that, wherever they are.”

Arno’s friend Dayle Visser thanked his “fierce friend” saying: “You were real and lived life harder than most people could ever dream of.

“I love you and I will always miss you.”

Their deaths have raised urgent questions about alcohol safety in the region.

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Tributes have poured in for the couple[/caption]

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A touching engagement video showed the pair in love just weeks before their sudden deaths[/caption]

While no arrests have been made, the restaurant believed to have supplied the limoncello remains open, The Times reported.

The families are now calling for justice.

“Our aim is to bring the people who supplied the alcohol and killed Greta and Arno to justice,” Paul said.

The couple’s ashes have been returned to Bahrain, where Greta’s parents live, following a cremation in Vietnam.

“At some time in the future, we will have a memorial service for them both,” Paul added.

“Arno’s family expressed a wish that they should be together, which we wholeheartedly agree [with].”

In a joint statement, the families said: “Whilst the investigation is under way, procedural requirements and due diligence are being followed.

“Both families are aligned with the authorities in our shared goal of holding those responsible accountable.”

The UK Foreign Office confirmed it is supporting Greta’s family and is in contact with Vietnamese authorities.

The tragedy echoes a similar incident in Laos just five weeks earlier, when six people, including British lawyer Simone White, 28, died after drinking contaminated vodka shots at a hostel.

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The pair were staying in a villa in Vietnam[/caption]

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The pair had moved into the tourist villa in July and registered for a long-term temporary residence[/caption]

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The investigation into what happened is ongoing[/caption]

BRUNO GUIMARAES was forced to reassure Newcastle fans after a social media own goal caused panic.

Toon’s skipper, 27, was fuming when he was replaced by Lewis Miley in the 79th minute of the 3-1 win at Southampton.

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Bruno Guimaraes was forced to reassure Newcastle fans after a social media post[/caption]

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Eddie Howe insisted the midfielder was subbed against Southampton due to illness in the week[/caption]

Brazilian midfielder Guimaraes, linked with Manchester City previously, then sent supporters into meltdown with a message on X after the game.

It said: “I don’t know what the future holds, but this team will always fight for the best for our club! +3 and see you next week.”

The first seven words in particular caused hysteria amongst the Toon Army as concern mounted he could be leaving St James’ Park.

That forced the ex-Lyon ace to clarify his comments in a follow-up post that read: “Don’t worry guys! I am talking about what happens on the pitch.

“Thank you again for the support today, see you at St. James’ Park.”

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe revealed why he took Guimaraes off during the win over the Saints.

The manager said: “It’s a difficult team to get into at the moment.

“We’ve won 10 out of 11, so we’ve got some very, very good players not playing and naturally frustrated.

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“Bruno didn’t want to come off [against Southampton].

“But he’d been ill in the week and felt it was only right just to try and make sure we’ve got him available for next week.”

As well as Manchester City, Guimaraes has also been linked with moves to Arsenal and Real Madrid in the past.

However, the midfielder has stayed put at St James’ Park and recently reiterated his commitment to the club.

He said: “They took us in like family. We are Geordies now. I feel very, very happy in the team.

“I think I have a new home outside of Brazil. If one day I come back to Newcastle, they will always take me as part of the family.

“I want both my sons to know exactly what I’m doing here. We have a special history for them so the connection we have is unbelievable.

“I feel like one of them so every time I play, I don’t just play for Bruno or my family – I play for Newcastle United.

“I’m not speaking this like, ‘Oh, he’s lying’. When I lose, I get upset because I lose and Newcastle lose. I feel like a fan.

“Even when I retire, I will support the team because they made me feel at home since my first day here.”

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RUTH Langsford enjoyed a wild night out with friend Rylan Clark amid her split from Eamonn Holmes.

The Loose Women presenter, 64, showed off her “saucy” dance moves during a fun evening in London.

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Ruth Langsford enjoyed a fun night out in London with famous pals[/caption]

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TV personality Lizzie Cundy also joined in for the occasion[/caption]

She sang along to Montell Jordan’s hit 1995 song, This Is How We Do It.

Radio 2 star Rylan, 36, filmed his longtime pal and he shared the clip to Instagram stories.

The X Factor alum captioned the update: “Saucy mare.”

Meanwhile, Ruth returned the favour by posting a video of Rylan’s own dance moves to Shakira‘s classic Hips Don’t Lie.

She penned: “The hips don’t lie!”

The pair were also joined by fellow TV personality and Ruth’s close friend Lizzie Cundy.

Last May, The Sun reported Ruth and Eamonn Holmes had ended their marriage.

Revealing their split after 14 years of marriage in an exclusive statement to The Sun on Sunday, their spokesperson said: “Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.”

Sources said their work had taken them in different directions but they were determined to stay friends and keep things amicable.

Earlier this month, it was reported Ruth was planning a “divorce party” to officially mark the end of her marriage.

According to reports in The Mirror, the Loose Women anchor insisted “life begins after divorce” as she allegedly prepares to mark the end of a life chapter with her nearest and dearest.

It came after The Sun was first to report how Ruth, 64, and Eamonn, 65, were pushing for a “quickie divorce.”

A source said: “The aim is for Eamonn and Ruth to resolve their divorce as quickly as possible in the New Year.

“Ruth is keen to stay in their marital home as it is where she is settled.

“Eamonn on the other hand wants to get out and make a fresh start.

“They aren’t dragging their heels and want this settled and done as quickly as possible.”

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Ruth and Eamonn Holmes announced last May that their marriage had ended[/caption]

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Ruth supported pal Jane Moore when the latter entered I’m A Celebrity[/caption]

ALEXANDER ZVEREV was heckled over domestic abuse claims live on TV at the Australian Open final.

The German ace was beaten in the final in straight sets by Italian Jannik Sinner.

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He was beaten by Jannik Sinner in straight sets[/caption]

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Brenda Patea took him to court last year for domestic abuse allegations[/caption]

Zverev, 27, was outclassed throughout the match by the world No.1 at the Rod Laver Arena.

As he prepared to speak as the runner-up in the tournament, he was heckled by a woman from the crowd.

While he was walking to the microphone, a person yelled: “Australia believes Olya and Brenda!

“Australia believes Olya and Brenda!”

The heckle was referencing the two women who have accused him of domestic violence.

The world No.2 waited for the commotion to end as the woman was removed by security.

During his speech, he did not mention the protests of the person.

Former girlfriend Oly Sharypova posted on Instagram in 2020 accusing Zverev of assaulting her more than once.

She did not contact the police but the ATP did hold a 15-month independent investigation.

In 2023, it was announced that Zverev would not face any punishment as there was insufficient evidence.

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He was investigated by the ATP for allegations made by ex-girlfriend Oly Sharypova[/caption]

He released a statement at the time that read: “From the beginning, I have maintained my innocence and denied the baseless allegations made against me.

“I welcomed and fully cooperated with the ATP’s investigation and am grateful for the organization’s time and attention in this matter.”

Last year, Zverev was taken to court by Brenda Patea on different accusations of domestic abuse.

But the court ended the case after it was settled because the witness wanted it to finish.

The court told the BBC: “The decision is not a verdict and it is not a decision about guilt or innocence.

“One decisive factor for the court decision was that the witness has expressed her wish to end the trial.

“The defendant agreed to the termination of the case.”

Zverev spoke to the media after the case.

He said: “At the end of the day, I do believe in the German system. I do believe in the truth, as well. I have to be certain that, you know, I do know what I did, I do know what I didn’t do.

“That’s, at the end of the day, what’s going to come out, and I have to trust in that. You know, everything else is out of my hands. 

“Not out of my hands, but I do believe that I’m not going to lose this procedure [sic]. There’s absolutely no chance I am.

“That’s why I can play calmly, and I think my results have been showing it. 

“Winning [the title in] Rome [earlier in May] I think is a big title, as well, and obviously being here. And if it would be on my mind I wouldn’t be playing the way I am.’

He was asked about the heckler at the Australian Open.

He said: “I believe there are no more accusations. There haven’t been for, what, nine months now.  

“Good for her. I think she was the only one in the stadium who believed anything in that moment. If that’s the case, good for her.

“I think I’ve done everything I can, and I’m not about to open that subject again.”

A WORLD record holder who spent 120 days underwater – without a shower – revealed the first thing he did when he came back to land.

German aerospace engineer Rudiger Koch, 59, subjected himself to four months in a 320-square-foot capsule.

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Rudiger Koch spent 120 days living underwater[/caption]

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The 59-year-old broke a world record[/caption]

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The German aerospace engineer revealed what he missed the most underwater[/caption]

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His temporary home was just off the coast of Puerto Lindo in Panama[/caption]

Koch started his shock adventure on September 26, 2024, just off Puerto Lindo in Panama.

His underwater home – called the SeaPod Alpha Deep – resembled the inside of a soulless chamber but the engineer managed to include some essentials in his space.

Koch managed to fit a TV, computer, exercise bike, portable toilet, and fans in the tight space.

Despite living underwater in the Caribbean Sea, the engineer was able to use internet through satellites.

Solar panels and a backup generator supplied electricity into the space.

His underwater home was connected to another chamber above water through a vertical tube – which was how food would have been brought down to him during that time.

He even had his family, doctor, and journalists come into the special home to visit him.

Koch joked about this in December when he said: “The last time I checked, I was still married.”

Despite these necessities and luxuries, Koch missed having a real shower.

While underwater, he revealed jumping in for a good wash would be the first thing he did when back on the ground.

The engineer set a new world record on Friday for the longest time living underwater without depressurisation.

Koch was met outside of his temporary home by Guinness World Records adjudicator Susana Reyes to confirm his astonishing achievement.

The record was previously held by American Joseph Dituri, who spent 100 days living in an underwater lodge in a Florida lagoon.

When he left the capsule, Koch said: “It was a great adventure and now it’s over there’s almost a sense of regret actually.

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His home was just 320-square-foot[/caption]

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He was able to have internet and his computer in his chamber[/caption]

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His family, doctor, and journalists were able to visit[/caption]

“I enjoyed my time here very much.”

His chamber has several circle windows that gave the record-holder a view into the sea.

He revealed the beauty of this feature in his tiny but temporary home.

He said: “It is beautiful when things calm down and it gets dark and the sea is glowing.

“It is impossible to describe, you have to experience that yourself.”

He added: “In the night, you can hear all the crustaceans.”

“There’s the fish out there, and there’s all that stuff, and that wasn’t here before we came.”

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Fish could be seen through the window of the underwater part of the house[/caption]

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Koch celebrated after breaking the Guinness world record[/caption]

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