Linda Robson, the beloved Loose Women star and Birds of a Feather actress, has revealed she came perilously close to death earlier this year after undergoing major surgery on her pancreas. The 68-year-old ITV presenter shared her harrowing experience, describing ten days in intensive care as “petrifying” and crediting her family and friends for helping her survive the life-threatening ordeal.
The health scare began when doctors discovered that gallstones had severely damaged her pancreas, leading to the urgent need for surgery. “I had to have most of my pancreas removed because there were two tumours in a difficult position,” Linda revealed. “I had to have a brain scan as well. I was petrified in intensive care. I thought I was going to die.”
For ten agonizing days, Linda fought for her life, surrounded by medical staff and her loved ones, as doctors worked tirelessly to save her. The actress credited her children for being a pillar of support during the crisis. “Seeing my kids’ faces got me through it. They were at the hospital all the time. They’ve been amazing,” she told The Sun.
This isn’t the first time Linda has battled personal hardships. Over the years, she has spoken openly about her struggles with depression, OCD, and an addiction to alcohol — challenges that at times left her unable to care for herself or interact safely with her grandchildren. In 2020, she shared that during her lowest moments, her children became her carers, helping her navigate daily life and recovery. “I wasn’t allowed to see my grandchildren until I was better. It was four years ago now, and they still say, ‘Mum, I’m so glad you are better, we never thought we’d get you back,’” she recounted.
The actress’ health journey has been intertwined with her career. In 2025, she was forced to take a break from Loose Women after doctors discovered a small cyst on her pancreas, a critical organ located behind the stomach that plays a central role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. The recent emergency surgery was a continuation of that earlier health challenge.
Linda’s openness about her mental health struggles has inspired many of her fans. She has described multiple stints in rehab, precipitated by medications prescribed for depression, which at times exacerbated her mental state. “I went through a really tough time. I was depressed and I turned to alcohol and had cleaning OCD,” she recalled. During one particularly low moment, she broke down while on a trip to Ibiza with fellow Loose Women co-stars, forcing Stacey Solomon to intervene and take her to The Priory, a mental health facility.
Despite these challenges, Linda has always been determined to maintain her independence and positivity. She credits her sense of humor, organization, and perspective for helping her navigate life’s ups and downs. “I just had a calendar on my refrigerator that said, ‘You need to be here at this time.’ ‘This kid needs to be here at that time.’ ‘We’re going away to West Virginia for a baseball tournament,’” she recalled. “However, you can do it… You have to have it out there. Otherwise, you’ll go insane. It’s a lot.”
Even amidst the most terrifying health crises, Linda has found comfort and joy in her friendships. She recently shared updates about her longtime friend and co-star Pauline Quirke, who was diagnosed with dementia in 2021. Linda emphasized that despite Pauline’s condition, their friendship remains strong, and she finds happiness in seeing her friend smile and enjoy life. “We met up about three or four weeks ago at a restaurant. It was so lovely. She was just giggling, and just really enjoying it. I left there happy because she was happy, and I knew they were looking after her really well,” she said.
Gallstones, which caused the damage to Linda’s pancreas, are solid lumps that form in the gallbladder and can range from tiny grains of sand to large pebbles. They often go undetected, with many sufferers unaware until the stones cause severe abdominal pain or are discovered during scans for other issues. In severe cases, gallstones can inflame the gallbladder or damage nearby organs, sometimes necessitating surgical intervention. Linda’s experience underscores the potential dangers of gallstones, particularly when they affect critical organs like the pancreas.
Throughout her life, Linda Robson has faced both physical and emotional challenges with remarkable courage. From confronting addiction and mental health struggles to enduring a near-fatal surgery, she has consistently demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to living life fully despite adversity.
Her recent surgery and intensive care stay were made bearable by the unwavering support of her family. Linda’s children, partners, and friends rallied around her, providing love, encouragement, and practical support during one of the most frightening episodes of her life. “Seeing my kids’ faces got me through it,” she said. Their presence highlights the importance of family connections and support systems during times of crisis.
As she recovers, Linda is taking stock of her experiences and focusing on her well-being. She continues to appear on Loose Women, sharing insights, humor, and compassion with audiences while also maintaining her personal health. Her willingness to speak openly about mental health, addiction, and serious medical procedures serves as both inspiration and guidance for others facing similar challenges.
Fans have flooded social media with messages of support and admiration for the actress. Many recall her long career in television, her candid personality, and her ability to connect with audiences on topics ranging from entertainment to personal struggles. Linda Robson remains a cherished figure in British television, not just for her professional achievements but for her authenticity and courage in the face of life-threatening situations.
Reflecting on her journey, Linda emphasized the importance of resilience, humor, and self-care. “You can get through almost anything with the right support and the right mindset,” she said. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the strength required to confront both physical and mental health challenges, and the critical role loved ones play in helping navigate these experiences.
Linda’s battle with gallstones and subsequent pancreatic surgery is now part of a broader narrative of survival, hope, and family unity. Her journey through mental health struggles, addiction, and now a severe medical crisis illustrates her extraordinary resilience and determination to embrace life, even when faced with the most daunting challenges.
For many fans, her candidness about her near-death experience is both moving and motivating. Linda Robson’s story demonstrates that even public figures, admired for their success and charisma, are human — facing fears, setbacks, and life-threatening health crises with courage and grace.
As Linda continues her recovery, her fans and colleagues remain steadfast in their admiration. Her experiences remind viewers of the fragility of life, the importance of family support, and the power of perseverance in overcoming adversity. From Loose Women to personal trials, Linda Robson exemplifies resilience, warmth, and the enduring impact of sharing one’s story with honesty and heart.
