Denise Nolan marries fiancé of 30 years after devastating diagnosis

The Nolans singer Denise has finally tied the knot with fiancé Tom Anderson after 30 years of being engaged following his Parkinson's diagnosis in an emotional ceremony with her sisters by her side.

The couple have been together for 47 years but it's taken them until this year to finally make it official. Despite their plans for a small celebration, it ended up being a proper party with their loved ones as they exchanged vows in the shadow of the iconic Blackpool Tower.

All eyes were on the stunning bride as she exchanged vows with 77 year old Tom, in a celebration that exceeded their initial plans. "It went from being the four of us to being about 55 of us!" a beaming Denise revealed.

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Their paths first crossed back in 1977, when Denise was belting tunes with The Nolans and Tom was behind the drums at the renowned London Rooms in the West End. Although popping the question in the 90s, the pair never pressed to set a certain date - only deciding to do so recently for heart-wrenching reasons.

Speaking to OK! Magazine, Denise, 72, explains: "We've been together now for 47 years, we got engaged about 30 years ago and we love each other. We didn't think we needed the piece of paper to say that."

Tom, who played in Denise's band when she went solo, had occasionally suggested booking a service over the years, but they always decided against it.

"He's asked me to marry him a few times," says Denise. "But usually when he's had a drink and is feeling sentimental! Then I mention it to him the next day and he runs a mile!".

The couple finally decided to make it official after Tom's heart-breaking Parkinson's diagnosis. He began to have symptoms in 2018 but the couple recently realised it was now or never if they still wanted the day of their dreams.

"We didn't want to wait until further down the line," says the bride.

Initially they had planned to keep it small - just them and two witnesses - but Denise's sister Linda suggested a big family affair. That guest list included the sisters, brothers Tom Jr and Brian, and their families. Loose Women star Coleen brought her boyfriend Michael Jones, as well as son and former Rixton singer Jake Roche.

Linda was proved right about the big do, but Denise went her own way when it came to wedding dress shopping. Not a fan of shops, she bought Tom's dashing light blue three-piece suit and her own wedding outfit - a yellow sequin-striped maxi dress and navy blue sequin blazer with matching fascinator - online.

"Linda wasn't sure about anything I picked but every time something arrived she'd say 'Oh that's gorgeous!'," smiles Denise.

When it came to their wedding day, they only had eyes for one place - the iconic Blackpool Promenade. They chose The Wedding Chapel (Festival House), a venue that boasts stunning views of both Blackpool Tower and the beach.

"When you get married at Festival House, you can see Blackpool Tower and the beach, it's just lovely," she says. "We didn't want a big church service so it was perfect and meant we could choose all our own music and have the celebrant, who was a gem."