Coleen Nolan, the 59-year-old presenter known for her candidness on the ITV show Loose Women, recently opened up about her troubling health struggles following the death of her sister, Linda Nolan. Linda, who bravely battled cancer for two decades, passed away on January 15, 2024, from double pneumonia, leaving Coleen and their family grieving deeply.
During Tuesday's episode of Loose Women, Coleen revealed the stress from her sister’s death has taken a significant toll on her health, leading to the development of eczema. "My skin has gone insane," she stated, as she discussed the distressing symptoms, which started during the festive season and worsened after Linda's passing. "I got a terrible rash all around my middle, it went up my shoulders. It was so sore and so itchy," she expressed emphatically, reflecting on the discomfort she had been enduring.
Her conversation with co-panellist Denise Welch offered some support; Welch noted, "Well, you've had your fair share of stress." Coleen went on to explain how she sought help from her dermatologist, who diagnosed her condition as eczema and highlighted, "No, but you're very stressed. And the first place stress shows itself or any condition is your skin." This candid recognition of the connection between emotional well-being and physical health resonates with many who share similar experiences.
The emotional burden from losing her sister has sparked discussions about how grief can manifest physically, and Coleen’s experience is sadly not isolated. Linda was only 65 at the time of her passing, having fought breast cancer after being diagnosed more than 20 years ago. She had experienced significant health scares, including recurring bouts with cancer, which had also affected their sister Bernie, who died at 52 from the same illness.
Coleen’s health issues are compounded by personal grief, as she explained, "I'm thinking 'what is this? It was all over Christmas and New Year, then obviously when Linda passed.'" This timeline showcases how intertwined her emotional state is with her health struggles. The dermatologist's recommendation for Coleen included considering treatment options for her skin condition, which she described as leaving her confused and concerned.
During the episode, Coleen also mentioned her previous skin issues, including treatments for carcinoma on her shoulder and identifying pre-melanomas on her face. These past health experiences provided valuable insight as she continued to manage the new predicament brought on by stress.
Reflecting on her sense of loss, Coleen shared on Instagram shortly after her sister's death, paying tribute to Linda on what would have been her 66th birthday. "To my beautiful sister... think of you every day, but especially today on your birthday... I miss you so much and life won't be the same without you," she poignantly expressed, highlighting the lasting impact Linda had on her life.
The public reaction to grief can often be harsh and Coleen has been no stranger to criticism, particularly surrounding her emotional state following Linda's funeral. Responding to online trolls, she stated, "We've got to stop judging people on how we deal with grief. I got out of the funeral car smiling because there were about 2,000 people looking and smiling. And I'm getting slated on social media... 'What's she smiling about?'" Her comments capture the societal pressures individuals face during personal tragedies and the importance of processing grief authentically.
Coleen's experiences have sparked broader conversations about how grief can lead to stress-induced health challenges, and her candid sharing encourages others to rethink their perceptions of grief and health. With plans to address her skin condition comprehensively, the singer and presenter intends not just to heal physically but to allow space for her emotional recovery as well.