Coleen Nolan was flooded with support as she shared a candid update with her followers online. The Loose Women star, 59, opened up about her tumultuous week but looked ahead to a more exciting one. On Instagram, Coleen disclosed the reason behind her absence from television, stating: “So I’m back at work for the first time in a while. I was off last week because I had a really bad chest infection, which is so much better. Still there as you can hear, little bit husky”, adding with a laugh that it’s “quite sexy”.

In her heartfelt message, the ITV favourite announced she’s “back now” and “ready to go”, just in time for her 60th birthday on March 12. Despite the upcoming milestone, the ITV star confessed she’s clueless about any celebrations in store. Coleen expressed enthusiasm for what she calls “a new chapter” of her life, one she eagerly anticipates without fear as she confessed: “I’m not scared.” Reflecting on her wellbeing, the Nolans singer remarked: “I am feeling strong and with everything that has happened it’s made me realise that life is for living and for going for what you need to go for.”

The TV star added the caption: “What an eventful week it was last week and an exciting week ahead!”

Support poured in from Coleen’s followers, with one writing: “You’re amazing, Coleen. You definitely don’t look 60 a beautiful person inside and outside. We all admire your strength.”

Another said: “Welcome back Coleen good to see Col’s Corner back. Hope you are feeling better now and looking forward to your birthday. Loose wasn’t the same without u deffs were missed.” A third added: “You’re amazing, Coleen. You definitely don’t look 60, a beautiful person inside and outside. We all admire your strength.”

A fourth chimed in: “Love this. Your’re amazing and your strength is just admirable!!!” Coleen’s milestone birthday on March 12 comes less than two months after the death of her sister, Linda Nolan, meaning the celebration will be bittersweet for the TV personality.

A source told OK!: “This is a milestone birthday for Coleen, but she is still, of course, going to be thinking about her sister. Coleen is still very, very sad about losing Linda, so it’s a very bittersweet moment. It’s heartbreaking that Linda won’t be there.”

Linda passed away on January 15 at the age of 65 from double pneumonia. The Irish singer had a lengthy battle with cancer after first being diagnosed with the disease in 2005.

Despite being given the all-clear, Linda was diagnosed with secondary cancer in her hip in 2017. By 2023, it has spread to her brain.