Linda Robson, the beloved Birds of a Feather and Loose Women star, has revealed the harrowing details of a health scare that left her “petrified” earlier this year. The 68-year-old actress spent ten days in intensive care after undergoing major surgery on her pancreas, an ordeal she described as terrifying and life-altering.
The health crisis began when doctors discovered gallstones had severely damaged her pancreas, necessitating urgent surgical intervention. Linda explained that she had to have most of her pancreas removed because two tumours were located in particularly difficult positions. In addition to the operation, she underwent a brain scan during this frightening period, leaving her with a renewed appreciation for life and the support of loved ones.
“I was petrified in intensive care. I thought I was going to die,” Linda said, emphasizing the intensity of the situation. Yet despite the fear, she credited her family for helping her through the ordeal. “Seeing my kids’ faces got me through it. They were at the hospital all the time. They’ve been amazing,” she told The Sun, highlighting the crucial role her children played during her hospitalization.
This recent health battle is not the first time Linda has faced profound personal challenges. In recent years, the actress endured a mental breakdown, which she recounted in her 2024 memoir, and struggled with depression, OCD, and alcohol dependency. She revealed that her children became her carers during the darkest periods of her life, offering support when she was too unwell to care for herself.
“My children were my carers when I was mentally ill. There was a point when I got so low I couldn’t be left alone,” she shared during a March Loose Women appearance. The actress noted that during this time, she was not permitted to see her grandchildren until she regained stability. She recalled how, even four years later, her children expressed relief and gratitude: “Mum, I’m so glad you are better. We never thought we’d get you back.”
Linda’s struggles with alcohol began in 2018 after being prescribed medication intended to aid her depression. Unfortunately, the treatment exacerbated her symptoms, leading her to develop a dependency and requiring three stints in rehab. Reflecting on this period, she admitted: “I went through a really tough time, I was depressed and I turned to alcohol and had cleaning OCD. I completely ruined my family’s lives.”
Her mental health challenges were compounded by episodes of self-harm and compulsive behaviours. She described a particularly low point during a trip to Ibiza with Loose Women colleagues, where she broke down and had to be taken home to The Priory for care. “I had really bad depression and was self-harming, cleaning everywhere I went, and washing my sheets every night,” she explained, detailing the relentless strain she endured.
After taking a year off from Loose Women, Linda made a triumphant return in January 2020, demonstrating remarkable resilience and determination to continue her career while managing her health. Despite these difficulties, she has maintained a close bond with her long-term friend and co-star Pauline Quirke, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2021. Linda has been committed to supporting Pauline, sharing updates about her well-being and noting that their friendship remains strong.
“We met up about three or four weeks ago at a restaurant. It was so lovely. She was just giggling and really enjoying it. She ate everything as well. I left there happy because she was happy, and I knew they were looking after her really well,” Linda recounted, reflecting the depth of her loyalty and care for her friend.
Linda’s battle with her health this year follows previous medical challenges. She was forced to take a break from Loose Women last year after doctors identified a small cyst on her pancreas, located behind the stomach. The pancreas, which is crucial for digestion and blood sugar regulation, required surgical attention once gallstones and tumours were detected.
Gallstones are solid lumps that form in the gallbladder, often without causing symptoms, but sometimes resulting in intense abdominal pain. In the UK, up to one in ten adults are affected, while in the US the prevalence is around 15 percent. Severe gallstone complications may necessitate organ removal, as in Linda’s case. Gallstones are commonly linked to high-cholesterol diets, liver damage, or fasting, and while not everyone experiences symptoms, severe cases can mimic heart attack-like pain.
Throughout her health battles, Linda has drawn strength from friends, family, and colleagues. She emphasized the importance of support networks during crises, noting that the presence of loved ones provided both emotional and practical help during her hospital stay. Her candid revelations underscore the human vulnerability behind the public persona, providing fans with insight into the trials she has overcome.
Reflecting on her past, Linda openly discussed how her children’s involvement in her care was both critical and transformative. They offered guidance and stability when her mental health deteriorated, reinforcing the profound impact of familial support during periods of extreme stress. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience required to navigate both physical and mental health challenges, particularly under the scrutiny of public life.
The actress’s transparency about her experiences with surgery, depression, OCD, and alcohol dependency has resonated with fans, who have lauded her bravery in sharing these intimate struggles. By highlighting the difficulties she has faced—and the ways in which she has overcome them—Linda Robson continues to serve as a source of inspiration and an advocate for mental health awareness.
Through all these personal battles, she has managed to maintain her career and public presence, returning to Loose Women with renewed energy and perspective. Linda’s dedication to her work and her family, along with her openness about her challenges, paints a portrait of a resilient woman navigating the complexities of life in the public eye.
Her recent pancreas surgery serves as the latest chapter in a life defined by perseverance. Facing the reality of intensive care, organ removal, and life-threatening complications, Linda’s gratitude toward her children and friends shines through. Her story is both a cautionary tale about the fragility of health and a testament to the strength that comes from love, family, and community.
As she continues to share updates with fans, Linda Robson exemplifies courage, determination, and the importance of vulnerability in public life. Her journey demonstrates that even those in the limelight face profound challenges—and that recovery and resilience are possible, even in the face of life-threatening medical conditions.
Source: Daily Mail
