‘WHENEVER THE FIVE OF US ARE TOGETHER, IT FEELS LIKE THERE’S A PIECE MISSING’
Hello ladies! Did you have a good time on the cruise?
Denise: It was amazing. The British Isles are beautiful.
Linda: It goes to show that you can stay in the UK and still enjoy a luxury cruise.
Anne: We each had our own cabins, with a gorgeous balcony.
Linda: What’s not to love?
Denise wasn’t able to join you on the last series…
Linda: We felt like there was a piece missing. Anne: She nearly didn’t join us this one, either! [Laughs]
We heard there was passport trouble! Denise:
Well, it never entered my head that
I’d even need a passport to cruise the British Isles! When they said I needed one, I was like, “Pardon?” It was eight months out of date so I sent it off straight away, but it didn’t arrive in time. The day the girls left, my passport arrived. We were all gutted.
Linda: It was like leaving your kid at the school gates!
You joined the girls eventually, Denise. Did you enjoy yourself?
Denise:
I love cruising. It’s a great way to live. To do it with my four sisters, I feel very fortunate.
Coleen told us it was lovely to spend time together, just the five of you... Denise: It was lovely. We all see each other a lot because we all live in Blackpool, but we never really see Coleen. To have a full week of her undivided attention was wonderful.
You also performed together for the first time in more than 40 years. What was that like?
Denise:
It was a surprise to me. No one told me we were doing it!
Linda: You would’ve panicked!
Denise: It was strange, but wonderful. It brought all the memories back of when we were younger and used to bicker over who sang what note. I was always the one who made a fool of myself with the choreography, and I did it again. I fell off the stool!
Bernie was obviously a huge part of the group and your lives. How did it feel going on this trip without her?
Anne: We always miss her, especially when we sing, because she was such a big part of our career.
Linda: Whenever the five of us are together, it feels like there’s a piece missing.
Linda and Anne, you’re both going through your own battles with cancer. How are you both feeling?
Anne: I’ve actually finished all my treatment, so I’m in a good place. The only thing I have now is a preventative medicine.
Linda: We’ve been through it, but we’re well. My cancer is terminal, but treatable. I feel great at the moment, though. My hair’s grown back.