Linda Robson shares frightening health ordeal as ITV Loose Women star admits 'thought I was going to die'

Linda Robson has revealed she spent 10 days in intensive care following major pancreas surgery earlier this year.

The Loose Women panellist, 68, underwent the operation after doctors discovered two tumours in a difficult area of the organ.

Speaking to The Sun, the television personality described her terror during the ordeal: “I was petrified in intensive care. I thought I was going to die.”

The Birds of a Feather actress revealed surgeons were forced to remove the majority of her pancreas during the procedure.

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“I had to have a brain scan as well,” she added.

The health scare began after gallstones damaged Ms Robson’s pancreas, triggering acute pancreatitis and leaving her in severe pain.

The condition had been monitored by medical professionals for some time before surgery became necessary.

Last year, the actress took a break from her duties on Loose Women after physicians identified a small cyst on the gland, which sits behind the stomach.

She had previously explained on the programme that the cyst had grown from one centimetre to two centimetres, causing considerable concern for her loved ones.

The situation worsened in December when Ms Robson was forced to withdraw from her role in the Aladdin pantomime at the Orchard West Theatre in Dartford.

The star credited her children with helping her survive the frightening experience, revealing their presence at her bedside proved crucial to her recovery.

“Seeing my kids’ faces got me through it,” she told The Sun.

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“They were at the hospital all the time. They’ve been amazing.”

Ms Robson has previously spoken openly about struggles with addiction and mental health.

The Loose Women star said she suffered with OCD, insomnia, and deep depression, eventually checking into rehab and being placed on suicide watch after admitting she wanted to end her life.

The TV personality explained her family became increasingly concerned as her drinking spiralled, with loved ones even asking local shopkeepers not to sell her alcohol.

The actress also revealed that her daughter once stopped her from caring for her grandchildren after an incident in which she left them alone in a car while entering a shop.

Speaking in extracts from her memoir Truth Be Told, Ms Robson said she became “really skinny like a skeleton” and felt she was “at death’s door”.

She credited friends, family and Loose Women co-stars, including Nadia Sawalha, with helping her recover.

Ms Robson eventually left rehab in 2019 and later revealed she had overcome her addiction, insisting she is no longer tempted by alcohol.

The actress has since returned to public events, attending a gala evening for Mamma Mia! The Party at London’s O2 on Wednesday night.

Ms Robson explained that stepping back temporarily was essential for her recovery, but said she is now firmly on the mend.

“I had to take a back seat for a little while to get better, but I’m fine now,” she said. “I’m on the mend. I want to make the most of life.”

For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

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