Coleen Nolan has spent most of her life in the public eye, first rising to fame as part of family pop group The Nolans before becoming a long-standing panellist on Loose Women. Now 60, she speaks candidly about developing resilience over decades of scrutiny, admitting that while she has grown a thick skin, hurtful comments can still sting. She says learning to cope with public opinion has required emotional “armour”, even if it does not always fully protect her.
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Behind the confident television persona, Coleen has faced profound personal loss. The deaths of her sisters Bernie in 2013 and Linda in 2025, both following battles with cancer, have had a lasting impact on her life. She describes losing Linda as devastating, particularly given how closely the sisters worked and lived together. Cancer has affected much of the Nolan family, leaving Coleen vigilant about her own health while stressing the importance of early diagnosis.
Her experiences of grief led her to write the best-selling book A Hand to Hold, which explores loss in its many forms. Coleen says the process was both therapeutic and educational, reinforcing her belief that grief is deeply personal and varies from person to person. She hopes the book helps readers feel less alone, particularly those without a strong support network, and includes recognition of grief over pets as well as people.
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Reflecting on her career and personal growth, Coleen says she now lives more confidently and unapologetically than ever before. She acknowledges that opinions she expressed years ago may make her cringe today, but views that as evidence of growth rather than regret. Supported by close family and embracing multi-generational living, she says she has no regrets, believing that every experience — good or bad — has shaped the life she is content with now.
