Singer Bernie Nolan dies aged 52

LONDON, July 4: 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."

Born on 17 October 1960, she grew up in Ireland, performing as a family troupe with her five sisters and two brothers. Her father Tommy would go on to be the Nolans` manager - but after his death, eldest sister Anne revealed he had sexually abused her from the age of 11.

Nolan turned to acting following 20 years fronting the Irish all-girl group and a string of hits including 1979`s 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, Flashdance and a UK tour of Chicago the Musical.

She moved into television playing hairdresser Diane Murray in Brookside from 2000-02 and joining ITV`s police drama The Bill in 2003, as Sergeant Sheelagh Murphy.

"So sad to hear Bernie Nolan has passed away," tweeted Nolan`s Brookside co-star Jennifer Ellison, after hearing the news of her death. "Such an amazing lady, had the honour of working with her twice will cherish the memories."

Bill co-star Gary Lucy tweeted: "RIP Bernie Nolan - our thoughts are with her family."