GMB’s Kate Garraway extended her heartfelt sympathies to Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan after the passing of her sister, Linda Nolan.
Linda, who shot to fame at just 15 as a member of the family ensemble The Nolans alongside Coleen and their other sisters Maureen, Bernie, Denise, and Anne, passed away at the age of 65. She was in a Blackpool hospital surrounded by her loved ones following a brave battle with breast cancer, having faced the disease twice.
During Thursday’s (January 16) episode of the popular ITV chat show, Kate and her co-star Ed Balls were joined by Linda’s close friend Vicki Michelle to honour the singer’s memory.
Expressing solidarity with her ITV colleague, Kate said: “Linda was such a dear friend of the show and of course appearances on Loose Women. Coleen Nolan from Loose Women, we are thinking of you this morning.”
During the tribute, Vicki shared heartfelt sentiments about Linda. Kate began by reflecting: “I say it’s so sad because those that loved her and knew her are missing her but what is so inspirational about her is that she lived every second with such possibility and drive that you feel she made the most of her last days of life”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Vicki added insight into Linda’s character, saying: “I think that is what Linda was about. She was so positive, caring and kind and she never gave into it and I think she inspired a lot of people not to. I think that’s why she survived so long, her positivity. I think it was the driving force that kept her with us.”
The EastEnders star was clearly emotional as she said: “It was such a shock because I never thought she would go. I thought she would get through this because it was 20 years ago when it was first there.
“She was always so positive and fun – when you saw her on TV she was always up and I think that it was so lovely about her.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV and ITVX
Get the biggest TV headlines, recaps and insider knowledge straight to your inbox
