Coleen Patricia Nolan is one of Britain’s most enduring and beloved entertainment figures — a talented singer, accomplished author, and charismatic television personality whose life has spanned decades of success, struggle, and reinvention. Best known as the youngest member of the iconic pop group The Nolans and as a long‑standing panelist on ITV’s Loose Women, Coleen has become more than just a performer: she has become a cultural figure whose story resonates with millions of fans.
Born on 12 March 1965 in Blackpool, Lancashire, England, Coleen Nolan grew up in a large, musical Irish‑English family. The Nolan household was filled with music and performance from an early age, and Coleen’s early exposure to show business paved the way for a lifelong journey across music stages, television screens, and into the hearts of audiences worldwide.
Early Life: From Blackpool to The Nolans
Coleen Nolan was born to parents Tommy Nolan and Maureen Nolan, who encouraged their children to explore performance and creativity. Coleen was the youngest of eight siblings: Anne, Denise, Maureen, Linda, Bernie, Brian, and Tommy Jr., making her the only one born in England while the rest of her siblings were born in Ireland.
Growing up in Blackpool, a city known for its entertainment scene, Coleen was surrounded by music and performance. By the age of nine, she had already appeared on television with her sisters, performing as The Nolan Sisters on various shows — an early taste of what would become a lifelong career in entertainment.
The Nolans achieved widespread recognition in the late 1970s and early 1980s, particularly with their hit “I’m in the Mood for Dancing,” which climbed the UK charts and solidified the group’s place in pop history. Alongside other hits like Gotta Pull Myself Together, Attention to Me, and Sexy Music, The Nolans sold millions of records worldwide and became one of the most successful family acts of the era.
Music & Songs from Coleen Nolan and The Nolans
Though Coleen became a full-time member of The Nolans only at age 15, her voice and presence were an integral part of the group’s success. The ensemble’s music was rooted in classic pop and disco styles of the late 1970s and early 1980s — upbeat, harmonically rich, and designed to appeal to broad audiences.
Some of the most memorable songs associated with Coleen include:
- “I’m in the Mood for Dancing” — The Nolans’ biggest hit and timeless summer anthem.
- “Gotta Pull Myself Together” — Another high-energy pop song that achieved top chart positions.
- “Attention to Me” and “Chemistry” — Tracks that highlighted the group’s signature harmonies.
While Coleen did not pursue a solo music career extensively, music remained part of her identity, resurfacing on television specials, family events, and public performances, demonstrating her enduring connection to her musical roots.
Television Fame: Loose Women and Beyond
By the mid-1990s, Coleen transitioned from pop music into television — a move that would define her career for decades. In 2000, she became a regular panellist on Loose Women, a daytime talk show celebrating lively discussion and personal storytelling. Her candid humour, empathy, and relatable personality quickly made her one of the show’s standout stars.
Coleen also appeared on This Morning, Dancing on Ice, and Celebrity Big Brother. In 2017, she won the 19th series of Celebrity Big Brother, earning praise for her warmth and authenticity. Even today, Coleen remains a prominent figure on television, often sharing insights into celebrity life, relationships, and personal experiences.
Books by Coleen Nolan: Sharing Life Lessons
In addition to her television and music career, Coleen has authored multiple books, both memoirs and novels, reflecting her personal experiences and perspectives on life:
Memoirs and Nonfiction
- Upfront and Personal: The Autobiography (2009) — candid reflections on her life in show business.
- Mum to Mum: Happy Memories and Honest Advice (2010) — a heartfelt guide from her experience as a mother.
- No Regrets (2014) — exploring life choices and personal resilience.
- Live, Laugh, Love: Lessons I’ve Learnt (2021) — practical wisdom from her life.
- A Hand to Hold: All I’ve Learnt About Grief (2024) — insights into loss, healing, and coping with grief.
Novels
- Envy (2010) and Denial (2011) — fictional works exploring relationships, drama, and emotional journeys.
Her books demonstrate her willingness to share personal stories, especially about motherhood, loss, and relationships, making her writing relatable and inspiring to her readers.
Personal Life: Love, Children & Relationships
Coleen Nolan’s personal life has been as rich and complex as her professional one, filled with joys, heartbreaks, and reinvention.
Marriages and Children
Coleen married English actor Shane Richie in 1990, and the couple had two sons: Shane Nolan Jr. and Jake Roche. The marriage ended in 1999.
In 2007, she married musician Ray Fensome, and together they had a daughter, Ciara Fensome. The marriage lasted until 2018. Across these two unions, Coleen often highlighted her children as central to her life, describing them as her greatest achievements.
Current Relationship Status
Following her divorce from Ray Fensome, Coleen was in a relationship with businessman Michael Jones from 2021 to 2024. Currently, she is focusing on her family, career, and personal projects, often discussing her experiences as a single woman in her 60s with humour and confidence.
Weight & Health Journey
Coleen Nolan has been open about her experiences with weight management and health. She has participated in health-focused television programs and has spoken publicly about her diet and lifestyle changes. Her candidness about weight and wellbeing has inspired fans facing similar challenges, emphasizing that health is a personal journey requiring patience and self-compassion.
Net Worth: A Successful Multi-Faceted Career
With decades spent in music, television, and writing, Coleen Nolan has accumulated an estimated net worth of around $6 million (£4.9 million). Her income derives from music royalties, TV appearances, book sales, and public engagements. Her versatility and ability to adapt to new opportunities have contributed to her enduring financial success.
The Nolan Family: Talent, Legacy, and Loss
Coleen Nolan’s story is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Nolan family, known for musical talent and resilience.
Linda Nolan
Linda Nolan (1959–2025), one of Coleen’s elder sisters, was an accomplished singer and actress. She performed alongside Coleen in The Nolans and later pursued theatre work. Linda passed away in 2025 after battling cancer, a loss deeply felt by the family and fans alike.
Bernie Nolan
Bernie Nolan (1960–2013) was another pivotal member of The Nolans. She also had a successful career in music and television. Bernie fought breast cancer for several years before succumbing to the illness in 2013, leaving a legacy of talent and courage.
These family experiences shaped Coleen, influencing her writing, public persona, and approach to life. The Nolans’ story is one of shared talent, personal challenges, and unbreakable bonds.
Where Coleen Nolan Is Now
At 61, Coleen Nolan remains an active figure in entertainment. She balances television appearances, writing, and family life while continuing to share her insights and experiences with a broad audience. Whether performing, writing, or speaking publicly, she embodies resilience, authenticity, and joy.
