Bernie Nolan reveals cancer is in remission

Bernie Nolan has laughed off the side-effects of her treatment for breast cancer, describing her shaved head as 'a new look'.

The 49-year-old singer and actress was diagnosed in April and lost most of her hair after undergoing chemotherapy.

She told GMTV: "It had to be done. It's a new look. It's not one I would choose."

The Irish-born star, who rose to fame with her sisters, said her treatment had been successful and was nearly finished.

She said she was delighted to discover the disease is not genetic and she would not pass it on to her 11-year-old daughter Erin.

She said: "That was the best news, you know. The whole genetic thing was my biggest worry to be honest with you. We don't have to worry now, no more than anyone else has to worry."

Born in Dublin, Bernie spent 20 years singing with her sisters before moving into television.

She appeared in the Channel 4 soap Brookside and played Sergeant Sheelagh Murphy in The Bill, as well as starring in musicals and reality TV show Pop Star To Opera Star.

Two of her sisters, Anne and Linda, have also battled the disease.