Coleen Nolan broke down in tears when discussing her sister Linda's funeral, as she made her return to the Loose Women panel. When asked by Christine Lampard how the family were doing after Linda's funeral, which took place on Saturday, Coleen said they were "doing great." Although, she said they have absolute meltdown moments, "which come out the blue.". Thanking the public for their support, and messages Coleen held back the tears as she spoke on how hard the loss of her sister was. She then opened up about the difficult decision to go back to work.
"It's just hard," she said, holding back the tears. "Is it too soon? But you just have to, life goes on. Linda's had this for 20 years," Coleen explained. "The one thing she would want to say is, that she wouldn't want anybody that's still going through this horrendous disease to give up.". Speaking on Linda's impact in the family, she continued: "She was just such a massive force in our family, and it feels like such a hole.".
Despite the difficult decision to go back to the Loose panel, Coleen said she was "glad to be back". Linda's funeral service was held at St Paul's Church on Saturday February 1 It was a place that held a special place in Linda's heart as it was the same place where she exchanged vows with her "soulmate" husband, the late Brian Hudson. The pair tied the knot in the summer of 1981. The funeral was a celeb-filled service, with the likes of Shane Ritchie, Paul Chuckle and Jodie Prenger in attendance at the service.
Charlotte Dawson spoke to PA ahead of the funeral service to pay tribute to Linda. She said: "She touched so many hearts and she’s just fabulous. 'I’m in full glam for you Linda', because she’d love me in full glam. The sun is shining for her and she’s just such an amazing person. She just lit up every room she walked into.". The pregnant reality star went on: "We just used to have so many different memories, travelling all around the country, having a laugh and just getting up to mischief. That was our favourite thing to do.".
Throughout the emotional ceremony, a number of Linda's favourite songs as well as her own tunes were played. Linda, who had planned her funeral years before her death, proved that her wicked sense of humour lives on through her final song at her committal. She chose Please Don’t Talk About Me When I’m Gone by Frank Sinatra - who The Nolans once supported on tour. The decision left mourners in fits of giggles as they heard the lyrics: "Please don't talk about me when I'm gone. Oh, honey though our friendship ceases, from now on. And, listen, if you can't say anything real nice, it's better not to talk at all, is my advice.".
