Coleen Nolan recently shared her emotional journey of motherhood while discussing a hidden family struggle on El-Balad’s Good Morning Britain. The 60-year-old television presenter revealed her deep feelings of guilt and helplessness regarding her son, Shane, 37, who faced a severe battle with substance abuse.
Coleen’s Heartfelt Admission
During the segment, Coleen expressed the profound distress she experienced, stating, “I felt like a terrible mother. I thought it was my fault.” Her reflections highlighted the emotional toll of witnessing a loved one struggle with addiction.
Shane’s Struggles with Addiction
Shane, who is Coleen’s son from her marriage to Shane Richie, faced significant challenges which ultimately led to his marriage with former beauty queen Maddie Wahdan ending in December 2023. The couple had married just a year earlier, amidst allegations of infidelity that surfaced after Shane’s battle with drugs became public.
Over the summer, the mother and son duo decided to speak openly about his issues with addiction, which resulted in Shane being admitted to rehabilitation. This decision followed a worrying phase in their family life, where concerns over Shane’s well-being reached a critical point.
Support and Recovery
Now in a supportive relationship with girlfriend Kimberly Sallis, Shane recently welcomed a baby boy named Cruz-Carter in November. Coleen praised her son’s resilience, noting that it was ultimately Shane’s decision to share his story publicly, especially during Men’s Mental Health Month.
- Shane Nolan’s age: 37
- Coleen Nolan’s age: 60
- Marriage to Maddie Wahdan ended: December 2023
- Shane’s recovery acknowledged in summer 2025
- Son Cruz-Carter born: November 2025
The Mother’s Perspective
Coleen described the helplessness many parents feel when dealing with addiction in their children. She reflected on how she made excuses for Shane’s behavior, underscoring the complexity of such situations.
She explained, “I kept making excuses for him… and then something major happened.” This incident served as a wake-up call for both mother and son, prompting a candid conversation about his struggles.
In emphasizing the importance of Shane’s recovery journey, Coleen stated: “As an addict, the only person that could have helped him was himself, which he did.” Her story is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by families dealing with substance abuse, as well as the strength found in openness and support.
