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REMEMBERING A LEGEND
Linda Nolan funeral: Sister Coleen, EastEnders’ Shane Richie & Paul Chuckle among celebrities remembering iconic star
Linda's sister Denise revealed the worst part about her cancer battle
LOOSE Women's Coleen Nolan, EastEnders actor Shane Richie and kids TV legend Paul Chuckle are among the famous faces attending the funeral of singer Linda Nolan.
Sister Coleen was snapped wiping tears away as she arrived for the service at St Paul's Church in Blackpool on Saturday morning.
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Members of the public applauded as the hearse carrying a pink glittery coffin arrived.
Shane Nolan - the son of Coleen and Shane Richie - was one of the pallbearers.
Linda's other sisters Anne, Maureen and Denise also walked towards the church with other family members.
The family wore black but some had pink ribbons pinned to their outfits or carried pink handbags.
READ MORE ABOUT LINDA
They lined the path as the coffin, topped with a floral arrangement, was carried into the church.
DENISE'S EULOGY
Sister Denise Nolan-Anderson said Linda had so many friends "who adored her".
Describing her sister's cancer diagnosis, Denise told the church: "She said the hair loss was the worst thing for her."
She said the diagnosis, along with losing her husband Brian and sister Bernie, could have "destroyed" a lesser person.
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Denise added: "Not Linda, instead she chose to help raise millions for cancer research."
She said her sister showed "courage in the face of adversity".
Loose Women's tribute to Linda Nolan after star's tragic death from cancer
She said: "It's time to rest now Linda. The battle is over. You are free."
A recording of Linda singing When It's Over was played after the eulogy.
Charlotte Dawson, daughter of comedian Les Dawson, Lee Brennan from boyband 911 and Coronation Street actress Jodie Prenger were also among the mourners.
Paul Elliott, the comedian better known as Paul Chuckle, paid tribute to Linda as he arrived at the church.
He said of the singer: "She was just a fun, bubbly person. The world's a darker place without her."
He said they had performed together in pantomimes and at charity functions, and they last met for lunch in 2024.
Elliott added: "She was just a wonderful person, we always got on well."
Linda and her sisters Coleen, Bernie, Maureen, Anne and Denise formed the pop group, recording hits like Gotta Pull Myself Together and I'm In The Mood For Dancing in the late 70s and early 80s.
The Dublin-born singer died last month, with a family statement saying: "At around 10.20am on Wednesday 15th January, she passed peacefully, with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments, aged 65."
Nolan had made Blackpool her home, and her funeral is being held in the church where she wed her late husband, Brian Hudson. They were married for more than two decades.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, which resulted in a mastectomy, Nolan was a long-time campaigner and fundraiser for cancer awareness.
She was given the all-clear in 2011 but in 2017 was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, which spread to her liver in 2020 and to her brain in 2023.
Nolan helped to raise more than £20 million for numerous charities, including Breast Cancer Now, Irish Cancer Society and Samaritans.
Her sister Anne posted on Instagram ahead of the funeral service inviting people to join the family, saying "we lay our wonderful sister Linda to rest" this weekend.
"There's been a bit of confusion regarding the church service and the crematorium. Just to clarify everyone is welcome to both services," she added.
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"There may not be seating available as both places are small and obviously we are a big family so most of the seating will be taken by us but if you don't mind standing we would love you to be there and we know Linda would be thrilled.
"Everyone who knew Linda, or whose lives she touched, are welcome to come and pay their respects as we remember her remarkable life," The Nolans' official page on Instagram said.
The message also described Linda Nolan as a "beloved sister, friend and entertainer" and a "symbol of hope, humour and resilience".
The family are raising money for Trinity Hospice, which Nolan supported, and have asked that donations and messages of condolence be sent to a memorial page in her memory.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
More than £2,700 has been raised on the Much Loved site so far.
Nolan appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and her musical theatre career included Blood Brothers, Pump Boys And Dinettes and Prisoner Cell Block H. She also wrote a Daily Mirror column.
Linda Nolan’s heartbroken sister reveals star’s cause of death was NOT cancer
LINDA Nolan's heartbroken sister has revealed her cause of death was not cancer in an emotional statement.
Sister Maureen paid tribute to the late star on Instagram and revealed Linda had contracted an illness over the Christmas period.
She wrote: "Our beautiful left us yesterday, so much to say not sure where or if I can start, countless memories, countless laughs, and constant support when you really needed it, I am heartbroken as we all are, just so sad [heartbroken emojis].
"I would just like to say, to all the people out there who felt inspired by Linda, she didn’t the big C didn’t actually get her.
";She contracted double pneumonia over Christmas and New Year and because of her immune system it was one battle too much.
"So please keep hopeful and strong if you are suffering, she lasted nearly 20 yrs with one cancer or another, and so can you."
The singer and TV personality passed away on Wednesday with her famous sisters at her side - and her final hours were said to have been full of "love and comfort".
Tributes have poured in for the star, including from her sister and Loose Women regular Coleen Nolan.
In a post on X, she said: "It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of beloved Linda Nolan.
"She faced incurable cancer with courage, grace & determination, inspiring millions. Surrounded by family, she passed peacefully.
"A pop icon and beacon of hope, Linda will never be forgotten."
A statement released by her agent, Dermot McNamara, said: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Nolan, the celebrated Irish pop legend, television personality, Guiinness World Record holding West End star, Sunday Times bestselling author and Daily Mirror columnist.
"She passed at around 10:20am at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on the MCEW Ward.
"The family said the hospital couldn't do enough, they were tireless and made it so much more bearable."
The statement continued: "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."
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