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Coleen Nolan jokes she ruined Bernie's death as she shares cheeky final moment

EXCLUSIVE: Nolan Sisters frontwomen Bernie Nolan sadly died from cancer at the age of 52 back in 2013. But before she died, she had one final thing to point out to her sisters

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(Image: Getty Images)

Coleen Nolan has joked she and her sisters ruined Bernies death during their final moments together.

In 2010, the lead singer of the Irish pop group became the third sister to be diagnosed with the disease. Initially, she was said to be in remission in 2012 after completing chemotherapy and a mastectomy.

But in 2013, the actor, who starred in The Bill and Brookside, suffered a second bout of cancer which spread to her brain, bones, lungs and liver. At the age of 52, the star died in her sleep surrounded by her family.

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Following the launch of Coleens new self-help book A Hand to Hold: All Ive Learnt About Grief, the Loose Women panellist has looked back over that emotional period in her life. Speaking exclusively to Daily Star, the mum-of-three shared one of the most heartwarming moments she experienced during her sisters final moments.

[Bernie Nolan passed away in 2013 at the age of 52]

Bernie Nolan passed away in 2013 at the age of 52(Image: Getty Images)

Recalling Bernies tragic passing, the TV presenter confessed that there was one heart-warming moment she shared with her sisters before the hitmaker passed away. She told us: [Bernie] was absolutely out cold on morphine, basically because it was the last few hours.

And we were all at her bed and then we all started singing, and shed been out of it, because [the doctors] gave her enough sedation where she wasnt in pain. And then, just in the middle of us singing, she grimaced and put her hand up to silence us!

And I went, Jesus Christ. Shes telling us to stop, were ruining her death. The broadcaster confessed that although she lost her sister that day, she still treasures that moment dearly.

[Coleen Nolan admitted she and her sisters ruined Bernies death ]

Coleen Nolan admitted she and her sisters ruined Bernies death (Image: Getty Images)

Coleen admitted: We laughed so much at that moment. Because a) it was typical Bernie and b) because it was like she was saying, Somebodys not singing in the right harmony.

It was a really gorgeous moment actually of who she was. But yeah, she wasnt impressed, bless her. But thats a lovely memory for me, thats not a sad memory. That was a lovely memory because it was her right up until the end.

The performer made sure not to leave her grieving sisters without a plan, as Coleen revealed that the late singer had organised her funeral down to the smallest detail. And she made sure to go out with a bang.

[The Irish singer's funeral was held in a Blackpool theatre]

The Irish singer's funeral was held in a Blackpool theatre(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Coleen explained that the family hosted Bernies funeral at a theatre in Blackpool called the Grand Theatre where they often performed as a group in their youth. She told us: My brother-in-law at the time managed to get the theatre that we performed in for years and years, the Grand Theatre in Blackpool, they got a special license and we had her funeral at the theatre.

It was perfect for Bernie because she lived for being on stage and it was like going to a concert. It was packed with a standing ovation at the end. The coffin was on the stage with the spotlights on it, it was just perfect.

In her new book, she explained that her sisters incredible planning skills took a huge weight off of her relatives shoulders but the grieving process still hurt just as much.

[The Loose Women star was "angry" after her funeral]

The Loose Women star was "angry" after her funeral(Image: WireImage)

In her step-by-step guide, the doting mum confessed that she felt angry after her sisters service ended due to the amount of people asking her how she was doing. She wrote: I also remember something else about Bernies service feeling so angry.

Honestly, the number of times I was asked how I was I just couldnt cope with it. I mean, how did they think I was feeling? I was acting out of the ordinary, thats for sure.

It wasnt like me to be livid, but thats what grief does to you. Its completely normal to not feel or act like your usual self.

[Coleen Nolans book A Hand to Hold: All Ive Learnt about Grief is available to buy now]

Coleen Nolans book A Hand to Hold: All Ive Learnt about Grief is available to buy now(Image: Rebecca Lupton)

Speaking about the launch of her new book, Coleen reassured fans that although it covers a series of devastating topics, there are plenty of light moments in there. She explained: Some people think, Oh God, thats dressing, why would you write a depressing book?

But what I want to say to them is, some of its sad and some of its very funny. Theres lovely poetry in there, theres helplines in there. I think its a nice book to have on your shelf and God forbid you never have to open it or experience it.

But the chances are, whether its a hamster or a sister or a loved one of ay kind, at some point in your life, you will probably have to go through it. And itd be nice to have a little book out there where you dont feel alone.

If you find it difficult to talk, this can help I hope.

Coleen Nolans book A Hand to Hold: All Ive Learnt about Grief is available to buy now.

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