Max George broke down in tears as he shared how Ed Sheeran helped to "save" Tom Parker 's life for a year before his death.
The Wanted star, 34, lost his best friend and bandmate Tom to a brain tumour after he sadly passed away in March 2022 aged 33.
Throughout his battle, Tom had remained positive that he could live his life to the fullest after being diagnosed with the inoperable brain tumour in October 2020.
Max has now revealed singer-songwriter Ed, 32, supported Tom during his heartbreaking final year.
"Do you know what was lovely, people from outside our group and friends, even they chipped in to help. Ed Sheeran did as well. That saved Tom’s life for a year," he explains on tonight's Scared Of The Dark.
He added: "How do you deal with it? There’s no cure for that so you just sort of learn to carry on with your life. Deal with it? Definitely not.
"I don’t think I’ll ever be OK with it. One of the last things I said to him was I thanked him for making my life so much better than it ever could have been.
"That whole journey through being in the band, he was my best friend."
Max George previously admitted he still “accidentally” texts late bandmate Tom as he “processes” his loss to cancer.
Tom's wife Kelsey Parker recently discussed the impact Ed Sheeran had on Tom and credited him for being a huge support to her late husband.
In Tom's posthumously released autobiography, Hope: My Inspirational Life, the I'm Glad You Came hit-maker revealed that Ed had helped to pay for his medical treatment.
Dad of two Tom penned: “I’ve never publicly said this before (and he’ll probably be mad that I’m doing it now), but Ed is a very special man. He even helped out with my medical bills when I was seeking other treatment options and having private immunotherapy.
“He didn’t need to do any of that, but my wife Kelsey and I are so grateful to him for his support. It meant the world.
“Overnight, my entire world turned upside down and I was forced to re-evaluate the value of life itself. I was absolutely petrified - I couldn’t stop thinking about death.”
Kelsey has since publicly thanked Ed for his kindness and generosity which allowed the family to have some peace and support at a time when they were in dire need of it.
"Ed is just an incredible person and what he did when we needed him, I will forever be thankful for. And I know Tom will forever be thankful for everything Ed did for us," she told Ashley Cain on the MTV series Faces.
“Ed is looked after by Kev, his security guard, who was also Tom’s security. The love for Kev will forever hold them together.”
