alan45
04-07-2013, 14:06
Actress and singer Bernie Nolan has died at the age of 52, following a long battle with breast cancer.
The former lead singer of The Nolans was first diagnosed in 2010, and had chemotherapy and a mastectomy, receiving an all-clear in 2012.
However, months later the disease returned and spread to her brain, bones, lungs and liver.
In recent years she was best known for her acting roles in The Bill and Channel 4 soap Brookside.
"Bernie passed away peacefully this morning with all of her family around her," said a spokesperson for the family.
"The entire family are devastated to have lost beloved Bernie, a wonderful wife, adoring mother and loving sister, she is irreplaceable."
Nolan turned to acting following 20 years leading the original six-strong Irish girl group The Nolans, and a string of hits including I'm in the Mood for Dancing and Don't Make Waves.
She left the group in 1994, and took to the stage, performing in productions including Blood Brothers in London's West End.
She moved into television playing hairdresser Diane Murray in Brookside from 2000-2002 and joining ITV's police drama The Bill in 2003, as Sergeant Sheelagh Murphy.
She married Steve Doneathy in 1996 and leaves one daughter, Erin.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast in May this year, Doneathy said Nolan had stopped chemotherapy and entered palliative care.
"But she's still being as positive as you can be under those circumstances. You get up every day, face the day, and make that day the best it can be."
The former lead singer of The Nolans was first diagnosed in 2010, and had chemotherapy and a mastectomy, receiving an all-clear in 2012.
However, months later the disease returned and spread to her brain, bones, lungs and liver.
In recent years she was best known for her acting roles in The Bill and Channel 4 soap Brookside.
"Bernie passed away peacefully this morning with all of her family around her," said a spokesperson for the family.
"The entire family are devastated to have lost beloved Bernie, a wonderful wife, adoring mother and loving sister, she is irreplaceable."
Nolan turned to acting following 20 years leading the original six-strong Irish girl group The Nolans, and a string of hits including I'm in the Mood for Dancing and Don't Make Waves.
She left the group in 1994, and took to the stage, performing in productions including Blood Brothers in London's West End.
She moved into television playing hairdresser Diane Murray in Brookside from 2000-2002 and joining ITV's police drama The Bill in 2003, as Sergeant Sheelagh Murphy.
She married Steve Doneathy in 1996 and leaves one daughter, Erin.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast in May this year, Doneathy said Nolan had stopped chemotherapy and entered palliative care.
"But she's still being as positive as you can be under those circumstances. You get up every day, face the day, and make that day the best it can be."