Singer Nolan has breast cancer

Linda Nolan has had a successful West End career

Linda Nolan, former member of the 1970s all-sister group The Nolans, has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Nolan, 46, who has since carved out a successful West End stage career, was diagnosed with the disease last week.

She told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "It was a terrible shock, of course, and I'm still coming to terms with it".

A spokeswoman for the performer confirmed Nolan, who has been starring in the musical Blood Brothers, was due to begin treatment soon.

Linda (left) and the other Nolans rose to fame on variety TV shows

Dublin-born Nolan added: "I know this is something that affects so many women and like them, all I can do is stay as positive as possible."

The Nolans sang and danced their way through the 1970s and 1980s with tracks including Don't Make Waves and Attention To Me.

Their 1979 hit I'm In The Mood For Dancing remains a club classic.

Nolan left the group in the 1980s, branching out as a solo artist then turned to musical theatre.

Her portrayal of Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers has been seen both on the West End stage and on tour around the UK.

She has been married to Brian Hudson, her manager, since 1981 and the couple live in London.