Bernie Nolan has breast cancer

[tammyy2j]

Singer and actress Bernie Nolan has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Speaking to the News of the World the 49-year-old has said she now faces a mastectomy and chemotherapy saying "I'm going to kick this cancer's ass."

Bernie, who was born in Dublin, spent many years singing and touring with her sisters before moving into television where she starred in series such as 'Brookside' and 'The Bill'.

Most recently she took part in ITV's reality TV show 'Pop Star to Opera Star'.

Speaking about her 10-year-old daughter, Nolan said "The best thing about having a child is I have the extra strength because I want to see her grow up and I have to be strong for her."

Two of her sisters, Anne and Linda, have already fought the disease.

I hope she makes it :(

[moonstorm]

She sounds as if she has a good fighting spirit - hopefully she will be ok.

[Perdita]

Bernie Nolan has cancelled her role in an upcoming stage show to focus on her battle with breast cancer.

The 49-year-old singer, who revealed yesterday that she was diagnosed with the condition last week, had been preparing for Mum's The Word.

Contactmusic quotes producer Robert C. Kelly as saying: "It is with great regret that we're losing Bernie from the show - we shall all miss her both personally and professionally and, it goes without saying, we wish her a very speedy recovery and our thoughts are with her and her family at this difficult time.

"Ever the consummate professional, Bernie demanded the show continue on tour and even offered to stay on the road during the early days of her treatment.

"However, good sense has prevailed, and she has now decided it is wiser to take a rest and build up her strength for her forthcoming treatment."

[Perdita]

Bernie Nolan has expressed gratitude for the support she has received since going public with her breast cancer battle.

The former Brookside actress last week announced that she is suffering from the disease, telling the News of the World that she would fight it with "everything" she has.

Speaking on GMTV about the response to her news, Nolan explained: "All my friends have texted me, some people I worked with years ago - Brookside people, the crew, the cameramen from Brookside have emailed me.

"It's just been fantastic, the response. I'm really glad I decided to go public for that reason because it helps me."

She continued: "I'm really pleased with the News of the World on Sunday. They handled it so sensitively and so beautifully for me. I was really delighted with the article.

"I'm overwhelmed with the emails [I've received]. It's incredible the amount of people that have suffered with this disease and a lot of people have kept quiet about it."

[Chris_2k11]

Hope she comes through it x