Linda Nolan: ‘Life’s about making
A member of one of the biggest original girl bands, The Nolans, Linda Nolan isn’t worrying about the future. Despite her cancer diagnosis, as we approach the New Year, she’s In The Mood For Dancing…
Linda Nolan (sister of LooseWomen’s Coleen), has had a whirlwind couple of years, since being re-diagnosed with the breast cancer she successfully battled in 2006. But the household name, now 60, who admits this time her cancer is ‘treatable but incurable’, has a greater lust for life than ever before. And though she never had children of her own, Linda can’t wait to enjoy a magical festive season with her family, before returning to panto for the first time in four years. Oh, yes she is…
Hello Linda, how are you feeling these days?
Good – I have CT scans every six months to keep an eye on things, but the cancer is still contained in my hip bone. Every month, I have injections to strengthen my bones. My biggest issue at the moment is arthritis, brought on by the treatment and chemo over the years. But it’s manageable.
What are you up to?
Well, I’m all set to do panto. I’ll be at the Princes Theatre in Clacton-on- Sea, playing the Wicked Queen in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It’ll be great fun to play a baddie, but my nieces and nephews say I should be playing Sleepy. I do have a habit of nodding off!
Are you a Christmas person, or a bit bah humbug?
It’s my favourite time of year. My tree went up the first week of December. It takes me a whole day – the kids decorate it, then when they go home, I take it down and start again! It’s a time for making memories.
Are you just thrilled to see another day?
Absolutely. It sounds clichéd, but every morning I wake up, am able to get out of bed, and I think how lucky I am. A lot of people would like to feel the same, such as my beautiful sister, Bernie, who lost the fight [in 2013, also to cancer]. I’m so grateful to be here, and to be back performing, which is what I love.
Does cancer make you more determined to try things you want to do?
It sounds weird, but when I was re-diagnosed in March 2017, it gave me a sense of freedom. When life is threatened, you want to make memories. I’m living with cancer, but I can’t let fear take over. Cancer can’t win.
She’s playing the Wicked Queen in panto
Do you ever think this could be your last Christmas?
I do, yes. When I was rediagnosed, I was told, ‘It’s treatable, but not curable,’ and I thought, ‘ Yes, that’s what you said to my sister.’ I was convinced that year would be my last Christmas, I wouldn’t see the little ones grow up... It was scary. That year, I bought everyone expensive presents, thinking I’d not get the chance again. But last year, I told everyone, ‘Don’t get any funny ideas, it’s diaries for everyone. I’m going to be around for a while!’
Will the Nolan family have a big get-together for Christmas Day?
Maybe not the day itself, but all us seven siblings get together to open presents from each other. For the past two years, it’s been in my sister Denise’s house – it’s like Santa’s grotto. We’ll sing, including a harmony version of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (we are the Nolans!), watch classic movies, such as White Christmas, and take the kids skating and for hot chocolate at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
What are your memories of Christmas as a child?
There were 10 of us living in a terraced house. There would be 22 for Christmas dinner, on a four-ringed cooker. We’d have melon or prawn cocktail for starter, then turkey with all the trimmings. It’s always been a little magical.
Christmas is also a time for remembering those loved ones we’ve lost…
It is. Every Christmas morning, [my late husband] Brian would make me smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. Since his death in 2007, I’ve stayed with one of my siblings at Christmas, and they always do his breakfast for me in the morning. Those first years after his death, I’d slip out and come home for an hour. I would cry my heart out, or just think about him. As time goes on, though, it’s easier to remember him with a smile. Brian was such a big kid at Christmas...
You must miss Bernie, too…
So much. Sometimes Bernie’s daughter comes around. Erin is 21 next year, though, so she’ll be doing her own thing this year with her dad in London – but we’re always in touch. There are sad times, but I’ve learned to remember the good ones. It’s easier to smile now and think that the love I had was amazing.
Is it true that Coleen bought you a puppy?
Yes! She brought her into the house in a little bag. Then this nose poked out, and some white fluffy hair. I called her Betty Boo. Like any puppy, there are times I want to strangle her, but she’s great company. Watching TV, she’ll fall fast asleep on my chest. I never feel like I’m on my own with her around.