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Singer Bernie Nolan has died aged 52.

The TV star lost her 10-month battle with cancer earlier this morning.

Bernie was diagnosed with cancer for the second time last year after previously beating breast cancer in 2010.

Doctors could do nothing more to cure the disease after it spread to her liver, bones, brain and lungs.

A spokesman 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."

The mum-of-one had been being cared for in a hospice but returned home to be with her family for her final days.

She leaves behind husband Steve Doneathy and daughter Erin, 14.

(Image: Bernie Nolan)

Daybreak host Lorraine Kelly led the tributes this afternoon, writing on Twitter: “Bernie Nolan was a very special woman. Brave, funny and hugely talented.

"She will be sorely missed. Thoughts with her family and friends.”

Chris Askew, Chief Executive of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, said: "We’re deeply saddened by the news that our wonderful supporter Bernie Nolan has passed away.

“Bernie was a truly inspirational woman who became a part of the Breakthrough family after her first breast cancer diagnosis in 2010.

"We were devastated to hear that her breast cancer had returned in 2012. Her spirit and determination to try and fight the disease spurred us all on and will continue to do so.

"Our thoughts are with Bernie’s husband, daughter, family and friends at this time.”

Bernie released her autobiography, Now And Forever, earlier this year which topped the best-sellers chart.

The emotional tale captured the hearts of the nation with her honest account of her life, loves and cancer battles.

Lead singer of the hit Irish girlband, The Nolans, Bernie also dabbled in acting and appeared in Brookside and The Bill.

After revealing her cancer had returned in October last year, defiant Bernie vowed to fight for as long as she could.

She told the Sunday Mirror: “OK, it’s not curable. But the doctors have ­promised me the cancer is treatable, it’s ­containable.

“I’m on medication which is ­controlling it, and people have lived for 12 years on these drugs. Who knows what new treatments are around the corner?

“I refuse to sit around like I’ve got a death sentence hanging over my head. I’m going to fight this for ever. It can get stuffed.”