´I thought I'd be thrilled - but it's the opposite

Coleen Nolan on empty-nest syndrome, making the most of life and finding love again with partner Michael Jones

- JULIE ANN TRAINOR

Sometimes it can feel like a tsunami of bad luck and tough challenges is threatening to engulf you. That’s the reality Coleen Nolan has lived through this past year. The Loose Women star and mum-of-three has experienced relationship issues, empty-nest syndrome, a cancer scare and the prospect of losing another sister to the disease. To say it’s been a trying time is an understatement.

As we sit down for a catch-up, the emotional turmoil is visibly etched on her face. “Empty nest is a real thing... who knew?” she tells new, referring to her three children Shane, 34, Jake, 31, and 22-year-old Ciara who are finally all moving out. It follows her eldest “boomerang” son returning to the family home after initially leaving years before.

“When the children were younger I thought I’d be thrilled when they became independent – but it’s the opposite. I’ve been feeling so redundant, like I don’t have a purpose any more.”

But as a born fighter who clearly has reserves of determination by the bucketload she adds, “I’ve realised, as their mum, they’ll always need me one way or another. 

Now is the time to concentrate on me. It’s like a new lease of life – I’ve so much I still want to do.

“It’s been scary at times but I’ve turned that into excitement. I’m more confident to take control of my future now – success or fail – and that’s a liberating feeling.”