Devastated members of The Wanted have paid tribute to their 'brother' Tom Parker, following news of his tragic death today.
Singer Tom has died at the age of 33 two years after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
His wife Kelsey was the first to break the news to fans on Wednesday, with Tom's bandmates releasing a statement shortly after.
A tribute posted to the band's official social media pages read: "Max, Jay, Siva, Nathan and the whole Wanted family are devastated by the tragic and premature loss of our bandmate Tom Parker, who passed away peacefully at lunchtime today surrounded by his family and his band mates.
"Tom was an amazing husband to Kelsey, and father to Aurelia and Bodhi. He was our brother, words can’t express the loss and sadness we feel.
"Always and forever in our hearts."
The Wanted were formed in 2009 after a mass open audition process and the boys went on to have a string of top ten singles and sell out tours.
Just two days before his death, Tom had shared a photo from the recent The Wanted tour alongside the caption 'dream team.'
Tom had been delighted to join the boys for what was to become their final UK tour as a five piece.
After being forced to miss the first few dates while undergoing treatment abroad, Tom was able to join his friends on stage for the rest of the shows, which included a night at the 02 Arena.
Tom was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2020, but continued to fight until the very end as he regularly insisted he was determined to 'stay positive' despite the odds against him.
Following their last ever show together in London, Max George told fans on Instagram: "We've just done the London 02 again, it was awesome!"
Tom, who was wearing a big winter coat and shades, replied: "Yes brother".
Max continued: "It was so good. Guys, thanks for all the love. We shall see you... when are we doing it again?"
Tom said he had "no idea" to which Max laughed and said: "I don't either, see you soon."
Throughout the tour, Tom's devoted bandmates continued to praise his resilience and strength.
Sharing a clip of Tom dressed in a beanie and shades sat in a wheelchair backstage listening to Justin Timberlake's SexyBack, Max captioned: "I mean...come on".
Max also shared a bed with Tom throughout the tour to make sure he was never alone.
Following the announcement of Tom's death on Wednesday, Tom bandmate Siva Kaneswaran paid his own special tribute,
He wrote on Instagram: “Hey Tom, hope you’re having a blast up there.
“I am so grateful that I had a chance to witness your true courage. It has been a pleasure of my life Tommy Boy.
“Thank you for letting us see you light up the world. Talk to you soon and see you later. Love you brother x”
Tom's wife Kelsey had been the first to break the news to fans.
Kelsey said the hearts of his family were shattered by Tom's death.
She wrote on Instagram: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side.
“Our hearts are broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence.
“We are truly thankful for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we all unite to ensure Tom’s light continues to shine for his beautiful children.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout, he fought until the very end. I’m forever proud of you.”
