Bernie Nolan Dies Aged 52 After Battle With Cancer

Bernie Nolan tragically lost her battle with breast cancer this morning – read the full story...

Bernie Nolan passed away this morning after a long battle with breast cancer.

The actress, who rose to fame in the seventies as the lead singer of The Nolans, was first diagnosed with the disease in 2010 and received the all-clear last year after chemotherapy and a mastectomy. But months later, the cancer returned and spread to her brain, bones, lungs and liver.

A spokesperson for the family said today: '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.

'They kindly ask people to respect their privacy at this difficult time.'

Bernie was just 52. In May this year, the star's husband Steve talked to ITV's Lorraine about her memoir Now And Forever. He finished writing the book for Bernie earlier this year when she became to ill to complete it. He said at the time: 'Everyone loves Bernie. It's difficult not to. She's such a wonderful girl.'

Bernie was perhaps most famous for her role in the girl group The Nolans. The sisters reached number three with their hit I'm In The Mood For Dancing back in 1980. She went on to become a successful actress, landing lead roles in Brookside and The Bill.

Tributes to the star have flooded in this afternoon, with Lorraine Kelly tweeting: 'Bernie Nolan was a very special woman. Brave, funny and hugely talented. She will be sorely missed. Thoughts with her family and friends.' She leaves a 14-year-old daughter called Erin.

We're sending lots of love to the family right now…

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