Coleen Nolan has emotionally opened up about her struggles with empty nest syndrome, admitting that she is struggling with loneliness and is “not ready to be on my own.” In an emotional moment on Celebs Go Dating, the Loose Women star, 61, revealed her deep feelings of emptiness after all three of her children moved out of the family home.
Coleen’s sons Shane, 27, and Jake, 33, and daughter Ciara, 25, have all left home, and the absence of their daily presence has left her grappling with feelings of isolation. The emotional confession came during her appearance on the popular E4 dating show, where Coleen is searching for love and a fresh start after many years of parenting and past relationships.
The Struggles of Empty Nest Syndrome
During her appearance on Celebs Go Dating, Coleen admitted that her children’s departure has had a significant impact on her emotional well-being. She revealed how she initially felt relief and freedom, but that soon gave way to loneliness. Reflecting on the adjustment, she shared: “For a while, it was bliss. I’m not going to lie, I thought ‘Wow,’” referring to the initial peace she felt when her kids first left. However, the situation quickly changed.
The reality hit hard for Coleen when she found herself putting up Christmas decorations alone for the first time in years. “This is my first Christmas putting decorations up on my own. To the point where I hated it. I didn’t even feel Christmassy. Then it hit me where I thought, I don’t know if I am ready to just be on my own,” she explained. The admission was deeply poignant, showing how much the absence of her children has affected her emotional state, especially during festive periods that are often filled with family togetherness.
Finding Love Again
In the wake of this emotional revelation, Coleen is now looking for a fresh start in her romantic life. She’s hoping to find love once again through Celebs Go Dating, with the help of relationship experts Anna Williamson and Paul Carrick Brunson. Despite her initial doubts about relationships, Coleen admitted, “I think I want something and then I get it, and I almost back away from it and think I don’t want it. I don’t know what I want, really.”
In recent months, Coleen has been navigating her emotions surrounding her children’s new phases in life, while also reflecting on her past relationships. She’s been open about having been through two marriages, as well as relationships that followed, admitting that these past experiences have shaped her current view on love.
Support from Fans and Fellow Celebrities
As Coleen shared her vulnerable story, fans were quick to offer their support, with many rushing to the Celebs Go Dating Instagram post to share encouraging messages. “Love @coleen_nolan being honest,” one fan wrote. Another added, “@coleen_nolan Hope you do find someone Coleen, you deserve it. You’re a really nice person xx.” These heartfelt responses show how much Coleen’s openness has resonated with her followers, many of whom relate to her experiences of being an empty nester.
The confession also sparked a wave of solidarity from others who have experienced similar feelings. A comment read, “She’s speaking my language,” highlighting how common these emotions are, especially among parents who have dedicated so much of their lives to raising their children.
The Impact of Parenting and Loss
Coleen’s openness about her feelings also brought back memories of previous Loose Women episodes, where she tearfully spoke about how lonely she felt during the lead-up to Christmas 2025. She admitted, “It was the loneliest I’ve felt,” adding that although she could have called her children to come over, she didn’t want to intrude on their new family lives. Her emotional journey reveals the complexity of motherhood, where you give so much of yourself to your children, and then, when they leave, you’re left trying to rebuild your life and identity.
Coleen’s reflections remind us that life after children move out can be a significant emotional adjustment. Her struggle with empty nest syndrome is something many parents face but rarely talk about, particularly when their children are starting families of their own. It’s a transition period that can sometimes feel as though you’re not needed anymore, which can be isolating and painful.
Looking Forward: A New Chapter
Despite her emotional struggle, Coleen remains optimistic and is determined to find happiness again, whether in a romantic relationship or through new opportunities for personal growth. As she continues her journey on Celebs Go Dating, her openness and willingness to share her personal experiences will no doubt resonate with many viewers who have felt similar emotions after their children have left home.
As she navigates the dating scene, Coleen’s message is clear: It’s never too late to find love and joy, and it’s important to embrace change, even when it’s difficult. For Coleen, the hope is that she will find a companion to share her life with once again, as she steps into a new chapter of her life—one where she can fully embrace her independence while still maintaining the connection with her children and her sense of self.
