Coleen Nolan Takes Reality TV Dating Plunge at 60
Loose Women panellist Coleen Nolan has made a bold move in her search for love, secretly signing up for the E4 reality dating series Celebs Go Dating. The 60-year-old television personality confirmed her participation, expressing a mix of excitement and nerves about the venture.
Ignoring Grim Warnings from Close Friend
Nolan's decision comes despite stark warnings from her close friend Vanessa Feltz, who appeared on the show in 2023 and famously described the experience as "absolute hell." A source revealed that Feltz explicitly told Nolan that Celebs Go Dating was "the worst thing she'd ever done" and made no secret of her negative experience.
"Vanessa warned Coleen about the show, but despite her friend's concerns, Coleen wants to expand her work and try different things," the source explained. "This opportunity came at a good time for her. She's ready to date again."
Relationship History and Current Motivation
Nolan has been single since her split from supermarket logistics manager Michael Jones in late 2024, ending a three-and-a-half-year relationship that began on dating app Tinder. Prior to that, she was married to EastEnders actor Shane Richie from 1990 to 1999, with whom she shares two sons, and later to musician Ray Fensome from 2007 to 2018, with whom she has a daughter.
Now, with her milestone 60th birthday behind her and more than a year of single life, Nolan appears determined to find romance. "She's determined to find the right man and she's definitely ready for love," the source continued. "She wants someone who can make her laugh and entertain her, but not someone in the limelight. She'd love to find a good family man with similar values and a brilliant sense of humour."
Reality TV Experience and Financial Considerations
Despite Feltz's warnings, Nolan is no stranger to reality television. She finished fourth on Dancing On Ice in 2009 and won Celebrity Big Brother in 2017, though she later described that experience as "traumatising" and "absolutely horrendous" following clashes with fellow contestant Kim Woodburn.
Financial considerations may also be influencing Nolan's decision. Recent cuts to Loose Women have reduced the show's airtime to just 30 weeks per year, impacting her income. Last month, Nolan acknowledged the financial pressure, stating, "On one hand, you go, 'Quite nice time off.' But then on the other hand, you go, 'I've still got bills to pay.'"
The star, who lives on a farm in north Staffordshire, previously voiced concerns about rising bills and mortgages following her split from Jones, noting that her income is currently the sole financial support for her household.
Personal Milestones and Family Life
Nolan's dating venture coincides with significant personal milestones. Last month marked one year since the death of her sister Linda after a long battle with cancer. In October, she became a grandmother for the fourth time when her daughter Ciara welcomed a son, Sidney.
With Ciara, her fiancé Maxx Innes, and their newborn continuing to live on Nolan's six-acre farm, sources suggest the television personality feels it's the perfect time to prioritise her own happiness. "She is in a good mindset to try new things, including dating," the source said. "Ciara has had a baby and Coleen feels it's time to bring some romance into her life. She's been through some really tragic times, losing her sisters, so she wants to get some fun and lightness into her life again."
Nolan's participation in Celebs Go Dating will see her guided by dating experts Paul Carrick Brunson and Anna Williamson as she navigates the world of televised matchmaking, defying her friend's warnings in pursuit of love and new experiences.
