Singer Bernie Nolan dies at 52

London: Actress and singer Bernie Nolan has died following a long battle with breast cancer. She was 52.

Nolan, who spent 20 years as lead singer of ` The Nolan s`, was first diagnosed in 2010, and had chemotherapy and a mastectomy, receiving an all-clear in 2012. Bur, months later the disease returned and spread to her brain, bones, lungs and liver, the BBC reported. The confirmation was made public by a spokesperson for the family. Nolan was born on 17 October 1960, and she grew up in Ireland, performing as a family troupe with her five sisters and two brothers. She turned to acting following 20 years fronting the Irish all-girl group and a string of hits including 1979`s `I`m in the Mood for Dancing` and `Don`t Make Waves.` She later moved into television playing hairdresser Diane Murray in Brookside from 2000-02 and joining ITV`s police drama The Bill in 2003, as Sergeant Sheelagh Murphy. Nolan also wrote about her battle with cancer in her autobiography, released in May. ANI