Born in Dublin, Bernie's began singing in the working men's clubs alongside her family, The Singing Nolans, later to become The Nolan Sisters. They became one of the most famous acts in the world & enjoyed phenomenal successes with Bernie on lead vocals on most of their many hits. Japanese Grammy awards, Royal Variety shows & Gold, Silver & Platinum discs came there away as well as a tour with Frank Sinatra in 1975. Bernie left the sister act in 1994 to follow her solo ambitions. Bernie appeared in 'The Devil Rides Out' in 1993 at Liverpool's Neptune theatre - her 1st acting role. In Feb1995 Bernie played Oolie / Donna in the musical 'City of Angels'. During the summer of 1997 Bernie appeared in the musical Oh! What a Night at Blackpool Opera House. Bernie made her West End debut & also toured in the leading role of Mrs Johnstone in the musical 'Blood Brothers'. Bernie & her sisters Linda, Denise & Maureen all played this part earning them recognition in the 2007 Guinness Book of World Records.

On tour in Liverpool, Ch4 producers saw her and immediately offered her the part of Diane Murray in 'Brookside', where she enjoyed 2 happy award winning years. Bernie was offered the part of Sgt Shelagh Murphy in ITV's 'The Bill' in February 2003 where she had many great storylines over a 2 year period. Since leaving the series in 2005, Bernie has released her 1st solo album 'All By Myself' and made a fitness DVD named '40 & Fit for Life'. Bernie has appeared in many TV shows including Ch4's 'The Games' & she played the drum's on 'The All Star Variety Show'. More recently Bernie has returned to music & headlined her own show 'Soap Queens' & she toured the UK in 2007, 2008 & 2010 in the comedy play 'Mum's The Word'. Bernie starred in Flashdance the musical from July 2008 & in the latter part of 2009 Bernie returned to the family act once more for a sell out UK tour! January 2010 saw Bernie completing a pantomime in Dunstable followed by another reality TV show appearance in Pop Star to Opera Star.