Member of The Nolans loses cancer battle

Bernie Nolan – one of the famed sisters from musical group The Nolans – died yesterday after a long battle with cancer. She was 52.

Ms Nolan was told in 2010 she was clear of breast cancer – but last year discovered it had spread to her brain, lungs, liver and bones.

A spokeswoman for the family said: “Bernie passed away peacefully with all of her family around her. The entire family are devastated to have lost beloved Bernie – a wonderful wife, adoring mother and loving sister – she is irreplaceable.

“They kindly ask people to respect their privacy at this difficult time.”

The group – best known for 1979 hit I'm in the Mood for Dancing – sold millions of records around the world and became huge in Japan, where they are said to have sold more records than the Beatles.

Ms Nolan also enjoyed a successful acting career with roles in British soap opera Brookside and popular police drama The Bill.

In an interview last year, Ms Nolan told Hello magazine she felt "a weight has been lifted" after she went public about her illness.

“There’s no point dwelling on it – I’ve got to fight it, be positive and get on with it,” she said. “I say a positive mantra to myself every day.”