The Wanted have said they are "devastated" after bandmate Tom Parker died aged 33.
The singer, from Bolton, was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in 2020. He had been receiving treatment at a specialist clinic in Spain.
His wife confirmed the sad news he had died in a post shared on Instagram today. The Wanted members Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Nathan Sykes and Jay McGuinness have released a joint statement to pay tribute to their bandmate.
READ MORE: Touching moment Tom Parker joins The Wanted on stage in Liverpool
It said: "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 sad news was confirmed by Tom Parker's wife, Kelsey, earlier today. She said: "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."
On March 17, Tom was supported by Kelsey and their children as he took to the stage in Liverpool, despite being too weak to stand. Kelsey and the couple’s daughter and son, Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one, were in the audience as Tom joined his bandmates for the final date on their UK tour.
She shared a sweet clip on social media of daughter Aurelia in the crowd as fans chanted “We love Tom!”. Tom had joined The Wanted on several of their UK tour dates, with bandmate Max George branding him a “hero” ahead of their gig at the M&S Bank Arena.
Taking to Instagram to share a black and white photo of him and Tom, Max wrote: “It’s been an epic few weeks…One last show my boy…You are a true hero mate. Can’t wait for the next tour with you…Liverpool… Can you hear us???!”
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