Emotional on-air tribute after Linda Nolan dies from cancer

ITV Loose Women stars have paid an emotional on-air tribute to the late Linda Nolan. The singer was honoured on Wednesday's show following her tragic battle with cancer.

News of her death broke just as the show aired, with Linda's manager announcing the star had died at the age of 65. Linda, was a regular guest on the ITV daytime programme.

Panellists Christine Lampard, Myleene Klass, Kelly Brook and Nadia Sawalha shared their memories of Linda. Announcing the news, host Christine said: "Some very sad news for you now. Linda Nolan, Coleen's sister, who was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017 has died at the ae of 65.

READ MORE: Eight dogs maul girl, 11, who cried 'mummy am I going to die?' in horror farm trip

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here.

"In a statement just released, 'It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Nolan, she passed peacefully with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments.

"Linda's legacy extends beyond her incredible achievements in music and entertainment. She was a beacon of hope and resilience. Sharing her journey to raise awareness and inspiring others.

"Rest in peace Linda you will be deeply missed but never forgotten. We've been talking about Linda for so long with Coleen, and I know it was an incredibly tough time for the family but you're just never prepared."

Linda often appeared on the programme alongside her younger sister Coleen Nolan, Mirror reports. In a moving tribute, Nadia said: "Nothing prepares because there is a moment when the light goes out, and when the light goes out, that is the most awful shock.

"They've been through so much as a family, sending all our love." "Yes, absolutely," Christine said, before adding: "Sending love to Coleen, Linda's family, all of the family. We're thinking of you all today."

In a statement released to the Mirror, agent Dermot McNamara, said: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Nolan, the celebrated Irish pop legend, television personality, Guinness World Record holding West End star, Sunday Times bestselling author and Daily Mirror columnist.

"She passed at around 10:20am. The family said the hospital couldn't do enough, they were tireless and made it so much more bearable. She passed peacefully, with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments.

"Linda's legacy extends beyond her incredible achievements in music and entertainment. She was a beacon of hope and resilience, sharing her journey to raise awareness and inspire others. Rest in peace, Linda. You will be deeply missed, but never forgotten."

The family has asked for the hospital not to be named but said a public memorial for the much-loved star will be arranged. Linda bravely shared the frank and honest realities of her journey with cancer in her weekly Mirror column.

Her death comes just one week after she told the Mirror that she was feeling somewhat better despite being ill over Christmas. But just two days later, she was taken to hospital after her breathing deteriorated.

Linda was subsequently diagnosed with double pneumonia and her condition worsened due to her secondary breast cancer, which had also spread to her brain. Her sisters - Anne, 74, Denise, 72, Maureen, 69, and Coleen, 59 - were called to her bedside at 3.30am on Tuesday, January 14.

Doctors made the decision to place her in end-of-life care. The siblings kept a vigil by her side in her final hours.

Linda and her siblings were part of popular group The Nolans, who sold a huge 30 million records, toured with Frank Sinatra and even performed for President Gerald Ford. Sharing her achievements in a statement, Dermot said: "As a member of The Nolans, one of the most successful girl groups of all time, Linda achieved global success, touring the world and selling over 30 million records, with hits such as Gotta Pull Myself Together, Attention to Me and the iconic disco classic I'm In The Mood for Dancing.

"Her distinctive voice and magnetic stage presence brought joy to fans around the world, securing her place as an icon of British and Irish entertainment. Linda also dedicated her life to helping others, helping raise over £20million for numerous charities, including Breast Cancer Now, Breast Cancer Ireland and Samaritans, amongst countless others.

"Her selflessness and tireless commitment to making a difference in the lives of others will forever be a cornerstone of her legacy." Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and was given the all-clear in 2011.

But in 2017, she was told the disease had returned after tumours were found in her hip bone and pelvis. The tragic news came just four years after the death of her sister Bernie, aged 52 in 2013.

Like Bernie, she was diagnosed with incurable secondary breast cancer but remained determined to make the most of the time she had left.