Singer Linda Nolan dies aged 65

Singer Linda Nolan, a member of pop group the Nolans, has died at the age of 65, two decades after she was first diagnosed with cancer.

Nolan found fame in the 1970s alongside sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise and Anne, and they scored hits including the 1980 disco classic I’m In The Mood for Dancing.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and given the all clear in 2011, but in 2017 was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. It spread and by 2023 was in her brain.

TV presenter Coleen Nolan said she was “utterly devastated” by her sister’s death, describing Linda as a “beacon of love, kindness and strength”.

“Her wit, humour and laughter was infectious, her presence could light up any room,” Coleen said in her tribute on Instagram.

“Linda had a heart full of compassion and always knew how to bring comfort and joy to those around her.”

The Nolan Sisters became the first Irish act to sell more than a million records worldwide, and went on to sell 30 million records in total.

Their other hits included Gotta Pull Myself Together and Attention to Me.

Nolan left the group in 1983, but later reformed with her sisters for several comeback performances.

Loose Women presenter Christine Lampard announced Nolan’s death on Wednesday’s episode of the ITV daytime show, describing it as “very sad news”.

Co-panellist Nadia Sawalha said it was an “awful shock” and said the show’s team was “sending our love”.

Nolan appeared on the programme a number of times, and her sister Coleen is a regular panellist.

Linda also appeared in a West End production of Blood Brothers, was a Daily Mirror columnist and wrote a best-selling memoir.

Although she had been ill for some time, she maintained a sense of optimism.

Speaking to the Mirror last month, she said: “I thought my 60th birthday would be my last, but I’m still here, five years later. It’s easy to sit back and get depressed about it, but I’m still going.”

Just last week, she told the newspaper she was feeling brighter after “a bout of flu” over Christmas. But two days later, she was taken to hospital with breathing problems.

Despite that, she remained active on social media. On Tuesday, she updated her profile picture on X, where her biography read: “Living with cancer, NOT battling or dying from it.”

But on Wednesday, a statement posted on the Nolan Sisters’ account announced her death, adding that Linda “faced incurable cancer with courage, grace & determination, inspiring millions”.

Entertainer Tommy Cannon, of the duo Cannon & Ball, said he was “heartbroken” by the news.

“I had the pleasure of working with her on so many occasions, and she was always a joy – full of warmth and love. My thoughts and love are with the Nolan girls and the whole family,” he posted on X.

Bucks Fizz singer Cheryl Baker said Nolan had “the most incredible voice, the wickedest sense of humour, [she said] such a massive talent”.

TV presenter Terry Christian posted: “R.I.P Linda Nolan. Met most of the Nolan sisters back in day – all fantastic women.”

Nolan’s agent Dermot McNamara confirmed her death “with profound sadness” in a statement on Wednesday, adding Nolan was “surrounded by her devoted family”.

“Over the weekend, Linda was taken by ambulance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital and admitted with double pneumonia. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, she went into a coma and into end-of-life care, surrounded by her devoted family.

“At around 10.20am on Wednesday 15 January, she passed peacefully, with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments, aged 65.

“The family said the hospital couldn’t do enough, they were tireless and made it so much more bearable.”

“Linda’s legacy extends beyond her incredible achievements in music and entertainment. She was a beacon of hope and resilience, sharing her journey to raise awareness and inspire others. Rest in peace, Linda. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.”

She raised over £20m for charities including Breast Cancer Now, Irish Cancer Society and Samaritans.

Nolan’s sister Anne, whom she joined on TV series The Nolans Go Cruising, was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in 2020 and is now cancer-free.

Another sister, Coleen, revealed she was diagnosed with skin cancer last year, and was using a chemotherapy cream to remove it.

Their sister Bernie died of breast cancer in 2013 aged 52.