Linda Nolan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Linda Nolan
Nolan in 2014
Born	(1959-02-23)23 February 1959 Dublin, Ireland
Died	15 January 2025(2025-01-15) (aged 65) Blackpool, Lancashire, England
Occupation	Singer actress author television personality
Years active	1974–2025
Television	Top of the Pops Celebrity Big Brother Loose Women
Spouse(s)	Brian Hudson ​ ​ (m. 1981; died 2007)​
Family	Anne Nolan (sister) Denise Nolan (sister) Maureen Nolan (sister) Bernie Nolan (sister) Coleen Nolan (sister) Jake Roche (nephew)

Linda Nolan (born 23 February 1959 – died 15 January 2025) was a famous Irish singer, actress, and TV star. When she was three, her family moved to Blackpool, England. In 1974, she became well-known as part of the girl group The Nolans. Her sisters Anne, Denise, Maureen, Bernie, and Coleen were also in the group.

As a member of The Nolans, Linda had many exciting experiences. They toured with the legendary singer Frank Sinatra in 1975. In 1981, they won the Tokyo Music Festival. Between 1979 and 1982, they had seven songs that made it into the top 20 hits in the UK.

After leaving the group, Linda performed in theatre shows. She played Maggie May on Blackpool's Central Pier for eight years. She also reunited with The Nolans for their 2009 I'm in the Mood Again album and tour. In 2014, she was a contestant on Celebrity Big Brother. Later, in 2018, she often appeared as a guest on the TV show Loose Women.

Early Life

Linda Nolan was born in Dublin, Ireland, on 23 February 1959. She was the sixth of eight children born to Tommy and Maureen Nolan. Her family lived in a suburb of Dublin called Raheny.

In 1962, when Linda was three, her family moved to Blackpool, England. Her parents then formed a singing group called the Singing Nolans, and Linda was a part of it. She went to St Catherine's Catholic Secondary School in Blackpool. She also attended The Cardinal Wiseman School in West London.

Career Highlights

Singing with The Nolans

In 1981, Linda and her sister Coleen had a small hit song called "Don't Do That." They were part of a group called the Young & Moody Band. This song even featured famous musicians like Lemmy from Motörhead.

Linda left The Nolans group in December 1983. However, The Nolans reunited a few times for special performances. In 2005 and 2007, five of the sisters, including Linda, performed their hit song "I'm in the Mood for Dancing" for TV shows.

In 2009, four of the sisters (Linda, Bernie, Coleen, and Maureen) got back together. They went on a successful tour across the UK and Ireland. They also released a new album called I'm in the Mood Again. This album reached number 22 on the UK Albums Chart.

Theatre and Television Work

After leaving The Nolans, Linda became a successful theatre actress. From 1986 to 1993, she played the main role of Maggie May at Blackpool's Central Pier. She performed in over 1,000 shows during those eight years. After that, she starred in a similar show called Rosie O' Grady's on Blackpool's South Pier for two years.

From 1996 to 1997, Linda toured the UK in a musical called Prisoner: Cell Block H – The Musical. She played the role of the prison governor.

Starting in 2000, Linda starred as Mrs Johnstone in the famous musical Blood Brothers. She performed this role in London's West End for three years. She also regularly played the part in the UK touring production until 2008. Linda was the third Nolan sister to play this role, after Bernie and Denise. Her sister Maureen also played the role later. This achievement earned the Nolan sisters a place in the Guinness World Records. They hold the record for the most siblings to play the same role in a musical.

Linda also appeared on several TV game shows. She was on Blankety Blank, Celebrity Pressure Pad, and Pointless Celebrities.

In January 2014, Linda took part in the thirteenth series of Celebrity Big Brother. Her sister Coleen had also been on the show before. Linda was voted off the show on Day 22.

Personal Life

Linda Nolan met Brian Hudson in 1979, and they got married in 1981. Brian was the tour manager for The Nolans until 1983. After Linda left the group, he became her manager. They were married for 26 years. Brian passed away on 21 September 2007.

Health and Later Years

In 2005, Linda was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had surgery in 2006 as part of her treatment. In 2011, she was told she was free of cancer. However, in 2017, doctors found that the cancer had returned and spread to her pelvis. This new cancer was incurable.

Linda began receiving regular radiotherapy treatment to help control the cancer. In 2020, she shared that the cancer had spread to her liver. On 27 March 2023, she announced that the cancer had also spread to her brain. A tumor was found on the left side of her brain, which affected her balance. This led to her needing a wheelchair. She was given special medicines to treat the brain cancer.

In January 2025, Linda was admitted to Blackpool Victoria Hospital with double pneumonia. She fell into a coma and sadly passed away on the morning of 15 January 2025, at the age of 65.

Discography

Filmography

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