Singer Linda Nolan last week revealed the "terrible shock" of discovering she is battling breast cancer.

The 46-year-old West End star and former member of all-sister Fylde-based 80's group, The Nolans , is believed to have been given the devastating news by specialists while performing in Coventry earlier this month.

It follows last year's revelation that the Dublin-born performer's manager and husband of 25 years, Brian Hudson, was suffering from skin cancer.

Speaking in a national newspaper last week, Linda said: "It was a terrible shock, of course, and I'm still coming to terms with it.

"I know this is something that affects so many women and like them, all I can do is stay as positive as possible."

Linda , once dubbed 'The Naughty Nolan' for her voluptuous figure, may now be forced to pull out of the nationwide tour of hit West End musical, Blood Brothers, where she plays the part of Mrs Johnstone, to begin treatment within the next two weeks.

She is the second Nolan to be struck with the potentially lethal condition after sister, Anne, was diagnosed with breast cancer while performing during the Blackpool summer season six years ago.

Anne, the eldest of the five singing sisters who shot to fame with disco hits like 'Attention To Me' and 'I'm In The Mood For Dancing', was finally given the all-clear after undergoing surgery to remove a lump followed by rigorous bouts of radiotherapy and chemotherapy at the resort's Victoria Hospital.

A spokeswoman for Linda added: "Everyone was very upset to hear what has happened. It is a difficult time but Linda is a strong woman who will get through this.

"She will be champing at the bit to get back on stage."