**Linda Nolan’s Funeral: A Celebration of Life and Legacy**
EastEnders actor Shane Ritchie and comedian Paul Chuckle were among the notable attendees at the funeral of singer Linda Nolan, held in Blackpool on Saturday. Nolan passed away at the age of 65 last month after a long battle with breast cancer, which she was diagnosed with in 2005.
Her pink, sparkly coffin was carried into St Paul’s Church by her sons and other family members, while her sisters honored her memory by wearing pink breast cancer brooches and earrings, complementing their black outfits with pink handbags.
The Nolan sisters—Linda, Coleen, Bernie, Maureen, Anne, and Denise—formed the popular group The Nolans in the 1970s, known for hits like “I’m In The Mood For Dancing” and “Gotta Pull Myself Together.” Linda also had a successful career in musical theatre, featuring in productions such as Blood Brothers, Prisoner Cell Block H, and Pump Boys And Dinettes. In her later years, she appeared on Celebrity Big Brother and contributed a column to the Daily Mirror.
A framed photo of Linda was displayed outside the church, and as mourners arrived, Faith Hill’s “There You’ll Be” played in the background.
During the eulogy, Denise Nolan-Anderson reflected on Linda’s vibrant spirit, stating, “She really loved going to premieres and opening nights, having her beautiful hair and make-up done, and always was the life and soul of any big occasion. She would have loved all the fuss today.” She also acknowledged Linda’s bravery, saying, “It’s time to rest now Linda. The battle is over, you are free.”
Paul Chuckle shared his fond memories of Linda, describing her as a “fun, bubbly person” and noting that the world feels dimmer without her presence.
Other celebrities who came to pay their respects included Charlotte Dawson, singer Lisa Maffia, and comedian Tommy Cannon.
The family released a statement announcing her passing, which read: “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.”
Following her diagnosis, Nolan was instrumental in raising £20 million for charities such as Breast Cancer Now and the Irish Cancer Society.