Gary Lucy

Bernie Nolan, the actress and former lead singer of The Nolans, has died aged 52 following a long battle with breast cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy and having a mastectomy, Nolan was given the all clear in 2012, though the disease returned months later and spread to her brain, bones, lungs and liver.

"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, Nolan grew up in an entertainment troupe of five sisters and two brothers. She turned to acting following 20 years fronting the Irish all-girl group The Nolans, during which time she enjoyed success with hits including I'm In The Mood For Dancing and Don't Make Waves. The former track incorporated a timely disco beat that can still be heard on dance-floors up and down the country today. It featured Bernie's recognisable vocal and would become The Nolan's biggest and best-known hit, reaching No 3 in the UK and topping the charts in Japan, where it sold a monumental 600,000 copies.

Continue reading: 'Wonderful' Nolan Sisters Lead Singer Bernie Nolan Dies Aged 52