Heartbroken Linda Nolan says she turned to ‘great friend’ Paul O’Grady amid cancer diagnosis before sudden death
CANCER-stricken Linda Nolan was supported by her “great friend” Paul O’Grady before his sudden death.
The 64-year-old revealed this week that her cancer has spread to her brain after being pictured in a wheelchair outside hospital.
Linda – who has been friends with Paul for almost 30 years – told The Sun how he would often check in with her about her health battle.
“I loved him,” she said.
“He was such a great friend. Although we didn’t live in each other’s pockets, he would always pick up the phone or text me out the blue to see how I was keeping.
“He was such an incredible talent and a great professional. He will be sorely missed by all of us.”
Linda toured with Paul, as Lily Savage between 1995-1997 in Prisoner Cell Block H: The Musical, where Linda played the Governess and remained close friends ever since.
Lily Savage Paul star died aged 67 just three days after completing a run in a UK tour playing Miss Hannigan in Annie, The Musical.
On social media this week Linda shared a clip from 2009 when she and her sisters were on his show and revealed how she and Paul were thrown out of a pub at 10am, while on tour.
She wrote: “Devastated about the passing of the incredible Paul O’Grady, a great friend for at least 30 years.
“I was lucky to work with him and of course Lily, in Prisoner Cell Block H: The Musical, what a time that was!
“Such an amazing talent and great professional, he will be sorely missed.
“My thoughts are with his partner, family and friends. RIP Paul.”
Popular Paul’s death sent shockwaves through the world of showbiz. He was close friends with many stars who he had met while performing over four decades.
His husband Andre Portasio confirmed in a statement yesterday that Paul died on Tuesday night. The cause is not yet known.
Andre said: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion.
“I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years.”
Linda revealed on Good Morning Britain today she’s set to undergo radiotherapy after being given the diagnosis a week ago.
“I’ve always been open about my treatment and people have been getting in touch asking what’s going on,” said Linda, who first found fame in 1974 with her sisters in pop group The Nolans.
“I want to tell you, sadly for me, my cancer has spread to my brain.
“It’s very frightening. There isn’t much help for brain cancer.
“But I’m not giving up, I’m positive.”
Linda said she was given the diagnosis after suffering three nasty falls as she struggled with her balance.
She is now living with her sister Denise and being supported by her family, including Loose Women star Coleen.
“It’s a scary trip to be on,” Linda admitted.
“It’s about making the most of every day and being positive. I’ve beaten it before so hopefully I can do it again.”
Linda was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in 2005 and given the all-clear the next year.
But in March 2017, she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer which was identified after it spread to her hip, following a fall.
Doctors confirmed they could see no cure – and in May 2020 that it had also spread to her liver.
Her sister Bernie died from breast cancer aged 52 in 2013 after it had spread to her brain, lungs, liver and bones.
Linda’s husband Brian also died from skin cancer in 2007.
When asked by host Richard Madeley if she felt angry with cancer, Linda replied: “Yeah I won’t lie, there are moments when I am in a heap in the corner crying and I try not to say, ‘Why me?’, because why not me?
“So many people are suffering with this terrible disease, but I talk about it and I always have because maybe I can help someone at home who is on their own.
“It’s okay to cry, it’s okay to feel angry, it’s okay to feel sorry for yourself but just don’t let it overtake you because then cancer’s winning everything, it’s taking your life from you.
“But yes, anger is there. You think, ‘How much more?’ And again, I don’t wanna push it on anybody else’s family but we’ve had such a lot of it in our family. So much heartbreak through it that sometimes you do go, ‘What have I done to deserve this?’ But I won’t let it beat me in that respect.”