Nolan sister Bernie dies after losing cancer battle
Singer Bernie Nolan dies after losing her battle with cancer, aged 52. The star, who was born into a showbusiness family, sang alongside her sisters Coleen, Anne and Maureen.
The singer, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010, has passed away “peacefully with all her family around her”, a spokeswoman said.
She added: “The entire family are devastated to have lost beloved Bernie, a wonderful wife, adoring mother and loving sister; she is irreplaceable.
“They kindly ask people to respect their privacy at this difficult time.”
Bernie shot to stardom with her singing sisters The Nolans in the 1970s and 1980s.
Nolan sisters
The group, best known for 1979 hit I’m In The Mood For Dancing, sold millions of records around the world and enjoyed success with songs such as Don’t Make Waves, Attention To Me and Gotta Pull Myself Together.
They became huge in Japan, where they are said to have sold more records than the Beatles, and also supported Frank Sinatra.
Ms Nolan was born into a showbusiness family – her parents Tommy and Maureen were singers – and the family group learned their trade singing in pubs and clubs.
The star, who gave birth to her daughter Erin in 1999, also enjoyed an acting career, with credits included Diane Murray in Channel 4 soap Brookside, and Sheelagh Murphy in ITV police drama The Bill.
She took part in Channel 4 series The Games, ITV’s Popstar to Operastar, and in 1988 the Saturday morning children’s show On The Waterfront.
On stage, Ms Nolan performed in Blood Brothers, Flashdance The Musical and the UK tour of Chicago The Musical in 2012 and a touring production of Calendar Girls.
News of her death brought an immediate tribute from the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer, which described Bernie Nolan as “our wonderful supporter”.
Its Chief Executive Chris Askew said in a statement: “her spirit and determination to try and fight the disease spurred us all on and will continue to do so.”