Linda Nolan's funeral sees large crowds and moving tributes as stars pay respects
Fans and celebrities have gathered in droves along the streets of Blackpool to bid a heartfelt goodbye to Linda Nolan, who passed away last month at 65, with her loving siblings by her side. The Irish singer's funeral service is taking place today at St Paul's Church, where Linda once said "I do" to her "soulmate" and late husband Brian Hudson back in the summer of '81.
Stars such as Shane Richie, Lee Brennan from boyband 911, Coronation Street actress Jodie Prenger have attended. Tommy Cannon and singer Lisa Maffia have also come to pay their respects.
Blackpool, the town that became synonymous with the Dublin-born Nolan sisters' rise to stardom and their home for many years, was considered Linda's "spiritual home". In her eulogy, Denise Nolan-Anderson said singer Linda Nolan had so many friends "who adored her".
READ MORE: Coronation Street's Claire Sweeney declares love for Welsh pop star after sharing photo
READ MORE: Linda Nolan funeral final farewell as family celebrate a 'wonderful' life
Describing her sister’s cancer diagnosis, Denise told the church: “She said the hair loss was the worst thing for her.” She said the diagnosis, along with losing her husband Brian and sister Bernie, could have “destroyed” a lesser person.
“Not Linda, instead she chose to help raise millions for cancer research," she added before saying that her sister showed “courage in the face of adversity”. "It’s time to rest now Linda. The battle is over. You are free," she said. A recording of Linda singing When It’s Over was played after the eulogy.
Mourners at Linda Nolan’s funeral in Blackpool were told she would have “loved all the fuss”. The Faith Hill song There You’ll Be was played as the singer’s coffin was taken into the church, which was packed with mourners, including people standing at the back.
“She really loved going to premieres and opening nights, having her beautiful hair and make-up done, and always was the life and soul of any big occasion," Denise continued. “She would have loved all the fuss today.” Prior to the service, members of the public applauded as the hearse carrying a pink glittery coffin arrived at the church.
Her sisters Anne, Maureen, Coleen and Denise walked towards the church with other family members. ITV Loose Women panellist Coleen wiped a tear from her eye.
The family wore black but some had pink ribbons pinned to their outfits or carried pink handbags. They lined the path as the coffin, topped with a floral arrangement, was carried into the church.
Charlotte Dawson, daughter of comedian Les Dawson, Lee Brennan from boyband 911 and Coronation Street actress Jodie Prenger were also among the mourners. Stars including comedian Tommy Cannon and singer Lisa Maffia arrived for the funeral service where a framed photo of Linda Nolan was placed on an easel outside the church.
Mourners also signed a book of condolence outside. Paul Elliott, the comedian better known as Paul Chuckle, paid tribute to Linda Nolan as he arrived at her funeral in Blackpool. He said of the singer: “She was just a fun, bubbly person. The world’s a darker place without her.” He said they had performed together in pantomimes and at charity functions, and they last met for lunch in 2024.
Elliott added: “She was just a wonderful person, we always got on well.” Actor Shane Richie was among the first people to arrive for the funeral of Linda Nolan in Blackpool.
