Singer and actress Bernie Nolan has lost her three-year battle with cancer, passing away earlier today at the age of 52.
The much-loved Blackpool-raised performer will still be best known to many for her part in the chart topping singing group The Nolans, in which she appeared alongside her four sisters and found fame with their 1979 multi-million selling hit I’m In The Mood For Dancing.
In later life, Nolan carved out a strong reputation for her stage appearances, most famously starring as Mrs Johnstone in West End hit Blood Brothers. Other stage credits included touring productions of Flashdance The Musical and Chicago, as well as appearances in numerous pantomimes. Most recently the actress appeared in the critically acclaimed stage adaptation of Calendar Girls.
Nolan was also a well-known face on television, appearing in popular soap Brookside and long-running police drama The Bill.
Confirming the sad news, a spokesperson said: “Bernie passed away peacefully this morning with all of her family around her. The entire family are devastated to have lost beloved Bernie, a wonderful wife, adoring mother and loving sister, she is irreplaceable.”