Linda Nolan funeral: Mourners pay respects in Blackpool

Linda Nolan funeral: Mourners pay respects in Blackpool

The singer’s pink sparkly coffin was carried from St Paul’s Church in Blackpool to applause from members of the general public who had lined the streets whereas To The place You Are by Josh Groban was performed.

Considered one of Linda’s sisters, Free Girls panellist Coleen, wiped tears from her eyes as she left the service.

Linda, Denise, Coleen and their sisters Bernie, Maureen and Anne shaped the pop group The Nolans, recording hits like Gotta Pull Myself Collectively and I’m In The Temper For Dancing within the late 70s and early 80s.

In a eulogy, Denise mentioned of Linda: “She actually cherished going to premieres and opening nights, having her lovely hair and make-up performed, and at all times was the life and soul of any huge event.

“She would have cherished all of the fuss right now.”

She mentioned shedding her hair following her most cancers analysis was “the worst factor” for Linda, together with the deaths of her husband Brian and sister Bernie.

Nolan-Anderson mentioned whereas it may have “destroyed” a lesser particular person, “not Linda, as an alternative she selected to assist increase hundreds of thousands for most cancers analysis”.

She mentioned Linda confirmed “braveness within the face of adversity”, including: “It’s time to relaxation now Linda. The battle is over, you’re free.”

A recording of Linda singing When It’s Over was performed after the eulogy.

Relations wore black however some had pink ribbons pinned to their outfits, or carried pink purses.

They lined the trail because the pink sparkly coffin topped with a floral association was carried into the church as Religion Hill music There You’ll Be was performed.

EastEnders actor Shane Richie, who was beforehand married to Coleen Nolan, comedians Tommy Cannon and Paul Elliott, higher referred to as Paul Chuckle, and singer Lisa Maffia have been among the many mourners.

Elliott mentioned of Linda: “She was only a enjoyable, bubbly particular person. The world’s a darker place with out her.”

He mentioned that they had carried out collectively in pantomimes and at charity features, and final met for lunch in 2024, including: “She was only a fantastic particular person, we at all times bought on properly.”

Charlotte Dawson, the daughter of comic Les Dawson, additionally attended, together with Lee Brennan from boyband 911 and Coronation Avenue actress Jodie Prenger.

Earlier than the service, Charlotte mentioned of Linda: “She touched so many hearts and she or he’s simply fabulous.

 

“I’m in full glam for you Linda, as a result of she’d love me in full glam.

“The solar is shining for her and she or he’s simply such an incredible particular person. She simply lit up each room she walked into.”

She added: “We simply used to have so many various recollections, travelling throughout the nation, having fun and simply getting as much as mischief.

“That was our favorite factor to do.”

A framed photograph of Linda was positioned on an easel outdoors the church with mourners signing a ebook of condolence.

Earlier than the ceremony, The Nolans’ X account shared an image of the order of service and requested followers to hitch them in mourning her.

Dublin-born Linda died final month, with a household assertion saying: “At round 10.20am on Wednesday, January 15, she handed peacefully, together with her loving siblings by her bedside, making certain she was embraced with love and luxury throughout her ultimate moments, aged 65.”

Nolan had made Blackpool her residence, and her funeral was held within the church the place she wed her late husband, Brian Hudson. They have been married for greater than 20 years.

Recognized with breast most cancers in 2005, which resulted in a mastectomy, Nolan was a long-time campaigner and fundraiser for most cancers consciousness.

She was given the all-clear in 2011 however in 2017 was recognized with secondary breast most cancers, which unfold to her liver in 2020 and to her mind in 2023.

Nolan helped to boost greater than £20 million for quite a few charities, together with Breast Most cancers Now, Irish Most cancers Society and Samaritans.

The household are elevating cash for Trinity Hospice, which Nolan supported, and have requested that donations and messages of condolence be despatched to a memorial web page in her reminiscence.

Greater than £2,800 has been raised on the positioning to this point.

Nolan appeared on Superstar Large Brother and her musical theatre profession included Blood Brothers, Pump Boys And Dinettes and Prisoner Cell Block H. She additionally wrote a Every day Mirror column.