I didn't think I'D BE HERE THIS YEAR'

Linda Nolan on why this Christmas will be extra special

- ARIANA LONGSON

There’s no denying Linda Nolan is one brave woman. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and it returned as incurable secondary breast cancer in her hip in 2017. It advanced to her liver in 2020, before sadly spreading to her brain last year. Despite her ongoing health battle – which doctors have said is ‘treatable but not curable’ – Linda, 65, remains a beacon of hope and refuses to dwell on her situation.

In an emotional interview the star, who rose to fame singing alongside her sisters and sold over 30 million records, heartbreakingly tells us that she didn’t expect to see Christmas this year. Explaining that the festive period is her ‘favourite’ time, Linda says that this year is especially important, confessing, ‘I want to make memories and enjoy the time I have left.’

Hi Linda, how are you?

I’m good, thank you. I’m pretty tired as I’ve had a friend visiting me, but other than that I’m OK.

Can you give us an update on your health?

I’m having chemo once every three weeks. I have my bloods taken after each time and if they’re OK, I have the next round. You have to be careful with chemo. I’ve lost my hair again – I’m bald for the fifth time and it still gets to me each time, I’m distraught when it goes. Pain wise, I get a cramp in my leg which really hurts, but apart from that there’s no pain, which is good.