Norwich: Tributes Paid To Bernie Nolan

4 July 2013, 16:16 | Updated: 4 July 2013, 16:24

Staff at Norwich's Theatre Royal have paid tribute to singer and actress Bernie Nolan who has died aged 52.

It follows a long battle with cancer. In 2010 the star was told she was clear of breast cancer, but last year discovered it had spread to her brain, lungs, liver and bones.

A spokeswoman for the family said: "Bernie passed away peacefully this morning with all of her family around her. The entire family are devastated to have lost beloved Bernie, a wonderful wife, adoring mother and loving sister; she is irreplaceable.

"They kindly ask people to respect their privacy at this difficult time.''

Bernie perfomed at the Theatre Royal on two occasions. She played Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers and  most recently appeared in March 2009 in Flashdance opposite Noel Sullivan and Bruno Langley.

The theatre's Chief Executive Peter Wilson said: "Everyone at Norwich Theatre Royal would like to send their deepest sympathy to Bernie’s family following the sad news of her death.

"We remember her as a consummate professional who combined a beautiful voice with a stunning stage presence that meant she made many roles her own.

"As well as her well-deserved on-stage plaudits, she was also known behind-the-scenes for being a calm, kind and good natured person who made time for anyone and got on well with everybody. Fiercely devoted to her husband Steve and daughter Erin, she will be missed."