The Nolan Sisters are reuniting for a summer season in Blackpool, but without Coleen Nolan, who has said she is too emotional to return to the stage following the deaths of her sisters Bernie and Linda.
Remaining Sisters Unite
Sisters Maureen, 71, Anne, 75, and Denise Nolan, 74, will join forces for an afternoon of songs, stories, and 'Nolan natter' at the seaside resort where they honed their craft in working men's pubs and clubs some 50 years ago.
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Maureen explained why their youngest sister, Loose Women star Coleen, will not be joining them.
'It's always so difficult to pin Coleen down because she's so booked up well in advance. Obviously, her price range is different as well. Coleen's a TV star and her diary is booked up a year in advance. She also does some singing gigs with her son and daughter, and it's just impossible to pin her down,' Maureen said.
Coleen's Emotional Struggle
Earlier this week, in an interview about her experiences on Celebs Go Dating, Coleen was asked whether she would join her sisters on stage again. The 61-year-old told an Irish radio station that she would find the experience overwhelming.
'It's really hard for me without Bernie and Linda now. It just wouldn't be the same for me. Bernie was the voice of it really; we all sang but Bernie was the lead and Linda was the fiery one, and they were such big characters. I think it would be too hard for me, too tough for me to do that,' Coleen said.
But Maureen Nolan told the Mirror that Bernie and Linda will still be very much in the room. 'They are always on our mind and very much with us in spirit whenever we get together, and that spurs us all on. That's why we do it all; to keep their memory alive really, and anyone who comes to see the show will feel their presence in the room,' she said.
A Historic Comeback
The comeback marks the Nolans' first Blackpool summer residency since they were one of Britain's hottest chart acts, with hits including I'm In The Mood For Dancing, Gotta Pull Myself Together, and Attention To Me.
Founded in 1974, the Nolans were six Anglo-Irish sisters who became one of the best-selling girl bands of all time. Over the past five decades, they have sold more than 30 million records worldwide, with hits including I'm in the Mood for Dancing and a huge fanbase in Japan.
Indeed, the sisters have enjoyed considerable post-band success, starring in the West End musical Blood Brothers and TV shows including The Nolans Go Cruising. The youngest sister, Coleen, is a star of Loose Women.
Family Struggles with Cancer
But beneath the glamour, they have endured their share of personal struggles, as their family life has been blighted by cancer. Bernie, who often performed the lead vocals, died from metastatic breast cancer in 2013 at age 52. In January 2025, Linda died of pneumonia after her incurable breast cancer spread to her brain. Meanwhile, Anne has had breast cancer twice, and their brother Brian was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Show Details
The trio will appear every Saturday from July 25 until October 3 at Russ Brown's House of Secrets on Church Street, just steps away from Blackpool's famous Winter Gardens. Tickets are priced at £50.
Spokesman and event organiser Gregor Gee said: 'Fans can expect a packed afternoon of live singing, behind-the-scenes tales from showbiz, and the chance to put their own questions to the sisters.'
