Singer Linda Nolan, a member of pop band The Nolans, has died aged 65, two decades after she was first diagnosed with cancer.

Nolan rose to fame in the 1970s with sisters Colleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denis and Annie, whose songs included the 1980 disco classic "I'm Dancing."

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and recovered in 2011, but was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017. It spread and by 2023 it had entered her brain.

TV presenter Coleen Nolan said she was "completely shocked" by her sister's death and described Linda as a "beacon of love, kindness and strength".

“Her wit, humor and laughter were infectious and her presence could brighten any room.” Colleen paid tribute on Instagram.

"Linda had a compassionate heart and always knew how to bring comfort and joy to those around her."

The Nolan Sisters became the first Irish band to sell more than 1 million records worldwide, and their total record sales reached 30 million.

Their other hits include "Gotta Pull Myself Together" and "Attention to Me."

Nolan left the band in 1983, but later reunited with her sisters and performed several comeback performances.

Loose Women presenter Christina Lampard announced Nolan's death on Wednesday's ITV daytime show, calling it "very sad news".

Co-panelist Nadia Sawalha said it was a "terrible shock" and said the show's team was "showing our love".

Nolan has appeared on the show multiple times, and her sister Colleen is a regular panelist.

Linda also appeared in the West End production of Blood Brothers, was a columnist for the Daily Mirror and wrote a best-selling memoir.

Although she has been ill for some time, she still maintains a positive attitude.

Speaking to the Mirror last month, she said: "I thought my 60th birthday would be my last, but five years later I'm still here. It's easy to sit back and feel down about it, But I will still go.”

Just last week, she told the paper she was feeling brighter After a "bang of flu" over Christmas. But two days later, she was taken to hospital with breathing problems.

Despite this, she remains active on social media. On Tuesday, she updated her profile photo on X, where her biography read: "Live with cancer, not fight or die from cancer."

But a statement posted on the Nolan sisters' account announced her death on Wednesday, adding that Linda "inspired millions with courage, grace and determination in the face of incurable cancer".

Cannon & Ball artist Tommy Cannon said he was "heartbroken" to hear the news.

"I had the pleasure of working with her on many occasions and she was always a delight - full of warmth and love. My thoughts and love are with the Nolan girls and the entire family," he posted on X.

Bucks Fizz singer Cheryl Baker says Nolan has "the most incredible voice, the most wicked sense of humor, (she said) such a huge gift".

TV presenter Terry Christian posted: "RIP Linda Nolan. Met most of the Nolan sisters before - all wonderful women."

Nolan's agent, Dermot McNamara, confirmed Nolan's death "with deep sadness" in a statement on Wednesday, adding that Nolan was "surrounded by her devoted family."

"Linda was taken by ambulance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital at the weekend and admitted with double pneumonia. She fell into a coma and received hospice care in the early hours of Tuesday, surrounded by her devoted family.

“She passed away peacefully at approximately 10.20am on Wednesday, January 15, with her loving siblings at her bedside ensuring she was loved and comforted in her final moments at the age of 65.

"The family said the hospital wasn't doing enough and they worked tirelessly to make things more bearable."

"Linda's legacy extends beyond her incredible achievements in music and entertainment. She was a beacon of hope and resilience, sharing her journey to raise awareness and inspire others. Rest in peace, Linda. We will deeply I miss you dearly, but I will never forget you.”

She has raised over £20 million for charities including Breast Cancer Now, the Irish Cancer Society and Samaritans.

Nolan's sister, Anne, was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in 2020 and is now in recovery.

Another sister, Coleen, revealed she was diagnosed with skin cancer last year and is using chemotherapy cream to get rid of it.

Their sister, Bernie, died of breast cancer in 2013 at the age of 52.