Tom Parker, a singer with the Wanted, has died aged 33 from brain cancer.
His wife, Kelsey, said 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.”
She said she and Parker’s family were “truly thankful for the outpouring of love and support” he had received after the diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumour in October 2020.
He is also survived by the couple’s two children, Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one.
Parker was one of five endearingly high-energy members of the Wanted, who became one of the most popular British boybands in a generation. Their debut 2010 single, the anthemic All Time Low, reached No 1, as did Glad You Came in 2012.
Before going on hiatus in 2014, they had six other UK Top Five songs, including the dance-pop hits Walks Like Rihanna, Chasing the Sun and Lightning, all of which brought a boisterous British personality to the EDM-laced pop of the era.
His four bandmates paid tribute to Parker, calling him “our brother” and saying: “Words can’t express the loss and sadness we feel. Always and forever in our hearts.”
In 2021, Parker fronted a documentary for Channel 4’s Stand Up to Cancer strand, following his life with his family as he underwent treatment. He announced in November that his tumour was stable, and he was able to perform on select nights of the Wanted’s tour of UK arenas earlier this month after the group’s reunion in 2021, but his condition suddenly deteriorated.
His memoir, Hope, will be published in July after its announcement earlier this month. He described it as “about finding hope in whatever situation you’re dealt, and living your best life no matter what”.
Outside the band, he played Danny Zuko in a touring production of the musical Grease, and also appeared on talent shows The Jump and Celebrity MasterChef.
Among those also paying tribute to Parker was Martin Kemp, who said “your bravery, your fight and your spirit will never be forgotten”.
