Tributes are flooding in after Bernie Nolan succumbed to cancer aged 52. She had suffered from the disease for three years.
In 2010, Bernie was diagnosed with breast cancer, and underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy. After declaring she was free of the disease, regrettably in October last year, it returned and spread to her brains, bones, liver and lungs.
It was revealed earlier this year that Bernie had entered palliative care.
Fellow 80s musicians have taken to social networks such as Twitter to convey their grief.
Jason Donovan : Peace and love to Bernie Nolan
Kim Wilde : RIP Bernie Nolan, thinking of you and all your family and friends today.
Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet): RIP Bernie Nolan, thinking of you and all your family and friends today. Love to you all Mx
Judie Tzuke : RIP Bernie Nolan sleep well lovely xx
Peter Cox (Go West) : RIP Bernie Nolan. Such a lovely, funny, talented lady. Thinking of her family today.
Bernie was best known as a member of popular 80s Irish girl group, The Nolans, where she performed with her sisters, Maureen, Coleen and Linda.
She also starred in the popular soap opera Brookside as Diane Murray, and later in the U.K. police drama The Bill, as Sgt Sheelagh Murphy.
A family spokesman said, “Bernie passed away peacefully this morning 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.”
She leaves behind her husband of 17 years, Stephen Doneathy and daughter Erin, 14.
