Upfront and Personal: The Autobiography

by Coleen Nolan

Writing with the warmth and humour that have made her so popular, Coleen describes her eventful life, from joining her sisters' band The Nolans when she was only nine to growing up in the spotlight as they went on to chart-topping success around the world. Coleen also reveals how she coped with her tumultuous marriage to television star Shane Richie and how, after they split she was left a single parent struggling to get through each day. She landed the job of presenter on This Morning and was just finding her feet when she was sacked, plunging her into depression as she lost all confidence. A way out finally came in the form of chat show Loose Women, where Coleen reclaimed her place in the nation's hearts. Today she is happily married and an inspiration to women everywhere who believed their 'best days' were behind them. Entertaining, funny and shockingly honest, this book is sure to appeal to her many fans old and new.

Genres: Biography, Autobiography, Nonfiction

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Since joining Loose Women in 2000, Coleen has caused controversy with her outspoken opinions and often headline-grabbing stories. Her loose lips and saucy innuendos regularly get her in trouble too, but she can’t help it, she's a big flirt. Actually her flirty antics have often left gorgeous male guests in shock – do you remember a rather upfront chat with Enrique Iglesias? She's a massive fan of Simon Cowell and have even had erotic dreams about him! She was thrilled when the L.W panel presented her with a surprise birthday card from him on the show but she's still waiting for the real thing! As much as she loves her job, she's a real home-body and loves being a wife and mother. She tied the knot with musician Ray Fensome in November 2007 after he proposed to her on her 40th birthday. They have one daughter together, Ciara, who was born in June 2001. Previously married to actor Shane Ritchie for 10 years they have two sons, Shane Jnr and Jake. She has spoken openly on Loose Women about her struggle with the break-up. Actually her appearance on Trisha's Celebrity Heartbreak led to a guest appearance on Loose Women and an offer to become a regular panellist!

As you may know she is a member of The Nolan Sisters, whose success chalked up two Royal Performances, record sales in Britain and more than nine million records sold in Japan - that's more than The Beatles!. She joined the band in 1980 aged just 15. Their biggest hit, I'm In the Mood For Dancing has become a cult classic. She's also presented on This Morning and appeared as a panellist on The Wright Stuff. Coleen also had a weekly column in Woman magazine and a parenting column in the Daily Mirror. As well as a regular panellist on Loose Women Coleen also took part in ITV’s Dancing On Ice in 2009 reaching the semi final.. Although she was dreading it at first, she really enjoyed it, even if she was being held together by sellotape by the end!. Her autobiography 'Upfront and Personal' was a top seller followed by her 1st novel 'Envy', which also charted highly. Her 3rd fitness Dvd 'Lets get Physical' was released in 2010 following on from The Nolans 2009 sellout reunion tour. In 2010 Coleen was asked to return to ITV's flagship morning show 'This Morning', almost a decade after they discarded her. Coleen has worked hard to prove her detractor's wrong and is currently one of the shining jewels in ITV's crown.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting as Coleen wrote about her personal life ( read love life/ friendships) and her childhood/ family. It was strange hearing her on the telly today as I read about Shane and her boys; it was 16 years old as it's almost 2025! ( Published 2009). Which feels weird to me as all through highschool I raced home for lunchtime to watch Loose women with my mum, and have toast or golden syrup porridge, sometimes my mum made sausages.

[Sandy Hallam]

Good

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have had this book for many years but never got round to reading it. I was born and raised in the same town as Coleen and was a Nolans fan when I was a kid.
The book is now out of date as its so old, and much more has happened in her life, but it was an interesting read from her birth to when she wrote the book.
An easy read which I got through in 3 days.

[Darla Ebert · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author is entertaining even if her story contains several traumas and tragedies. One can see how, while sheltered and naive she made some concerning choices.
The author and her sisters have lovely voices with memorable harmonies.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. She talks about herself at the age of 2 growing up and performing on stage, then finding fame with her sisters ‘the Nolans.’ She battles with depression during a first breakdown with marriage to Shane Ritchie and her wright gain threatens to destroy her self esteem.

[Steve Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting. Good to hear stuff you wouldn't normally hear about. Only thing that let this book down was how short it was. Was a bit gutted that it finished so soon.

[Noel · Rating 2 out of 5]

not what i expected enjoyable enough still not keen on shane richie but she comes over as pleasent enough and very readable

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting to find out about where she came from, the struggles, insecurities along the way and where she is now

[Thinkingwhatsneeded · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a fan of entertainment world but from this book, she tells the story in an interesting way. She also shows how any girl, regardless how pretty they are, even an actress, could feel insecure and not being loved. On the other side, she proves that woman can be just as strong.

[Katie Gerrard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celebrity biographies often have a bit of a bad press and are often described as popularist or 'guilty pleasures'. I think this is more down to celebrities who haven't really had much of a life quite yet publishing their great memoirs at the height of their fame to create the maximum profit. And let's face it, publishing is often about profit. I have to admit, though, to being a bit of a fan of the right celeb autobiography.

Coleen Nolan's biography for me fits within that catagory as it forms a part of history and she has lived a fascinating life from her early years travelling the UK's working man clubs, through to her life as the wife of the not quite famous, not quite credible, serial philanderer Shane Ritchie. The Nolans were notorious for being the good girls of pop but behind the scenes they had their own share of family dramas and Coleen's constant battle to make sure she was working and putting food on the table runs as a theme throughout.

I am not sure whether this was ghost written but for me, it is more important for a book to be a pleasant read (and of course whether a celebrity writes themselves or not there will always be the editing and tidying process, as with all books) and this is an easy and pleasant read that puts across the subject's voice well.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this a couple of years ago, so my judgement is a bit off with this one. But when I did read it, I admit I found it quite boring. the story became very repetitive. Her woes began to wear thin as well. I did enjoy hearing about her early life however, its just her adulthood that grated with me.Not the worst book however.
EDIT: I enjoyed it much better after a re-read. Re marked.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this autobiography. I picked it up from the library last night and practically read it overnight. She gives a frank account of her time in The Nolans and her marriage to Shane Richie as well as her time on Dancing on Ice and recent marriage.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely book, written in a very coloquial way, about the life of singer/presenter Coleen Nolan, who gives us an emotional and frank account of her life so far.

[Tracy Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent book that really shows the insight into her world.she really does tell everything,recomend to any coleen fan or if you like a good autobiography

[Emma Padden · Rating 4 out of 5]

very funny!!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it, did't realise all she as gone thru and that shane ritchie was a bugger

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I learned so much about Coleen and her life. Shows just because you show a happy face to the public,it doesn't mean your life is happy. Wanted to hug Coleen after I read it.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. It was a really good read with an honest account of her life so far. Would recommend.

[Michelle Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyed the insight i had into the youngest nolan sisters life, and what life was like for her.

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this and was amazed at how honest Coleen was, she really didn't hold anything back. would definitely recommend it!

[Peter Malcolm · Rating 4 out of 5]

read a lot of this families books interesting family

[Sinead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book....interesting about her previous relationship with Shane Ritchie

[Sujith Ipe · Rating 4 out of 5]

very honest and lovely depiction of ones life..

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read, but nothing more.