Linda Nolan funeral: Paul Chuckle says ‘she’s with husband Brian now’ in emotional tribute to iconic star

"She's a beautiful girl. It's such a shame", he added, reflecting on their theatrical collaborations.

The entertainer, whose real name is Paul Elliott, recalled: "We almost shared a dressing room with Linda and Brian [Hudson]. Brian was a good friend as well. At least she's with him now."

Mourners gathered today to bid farewell to singer Linda Nolan, who died last month at the age of 65 following a battle with cancer.

The funeral service is being held at St Paul's Church in Blackpool, where family, friends and fans have come together to celebrate her life.

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The Dublin-born star, who found fame as part of The Nolans alongside her sisters, passed away on January 15th at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, surrounded by her siblings.

St Paul's Church holds special significance for the Nolan family, as it was where Linda married her "soulmate" husband Brian Hudson in the summer of 1981.

READ MORE: Linda Nolan funeral: Sisters and Shane Richie among guests pouring in to pay respects

The same church also hosted Brian's funeral service following his death in 2007.

The service began at 10:30am, with mourners gathering to celebrate what the family described as Linda's "extraordinary life".

Blackpool, where the service is taking place, had been Linda's "spiritual home" for much of her life.

Among the mourners was actor Shane Richie, former husband of Linda's sister Coleen, who came to pay his respects at the service.

The funeral reflected Linda's own wishes, which she had planned two years before her death to spare her siblings additional heartache.

Her request for a bright pink and sparkly showbiz casket was honoured by her family, ensuring the beloved entertainer received the send-off she had envisioned.

The Nolan family welcomed fans to attend both the church service and crematorium, noting that "everyone who knew Linda, or whose lives she touched" was welcome to pay their respects.

The family are raising funds for Trinity Hospice, which Linda supported throughout her life.

More than £2,450 has already been raised through a memorial page set up in her memory, where well-wishers can also leave messages of condolence.