'Our hearts are broken': The Wanted singer Tom Parker dies aged 33

30 March 2022, 17:16 | Updated: 30 March 2022, 19:11

The Wanted singer Tom Parker has died aged 33 after his battle with brain cancer, his wife has announced.

The singer had just finished a tour with his band, The Wanted, celebrating their latest album, Most Wanted: The Greatest Hits.

The popular group is best known for its hits including All Time Low, Glad You Came and Gold Forever.

Tom revealed his diagnosis in October 2020 and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

The father-of-two shared some of his journey during a documentary in autumn last year.

Kelsey Parker - Tom's wife - 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.

"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."

The band said on Instagram: "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."

In November 2021, Tom had received good news, sharing that he had got the "brain tumour under control".

However, he continued treatment into the new year.

He was due to release a book in the summer that he said "is not a book about dying - it's a book about living.

"It's a book about finding hope in whatever situation you’re dealt, and living your best life no matter what."

The singer was born in Bolton in 1988, and during his adolescence fought his way through a number of failed attempts to break into the music industry.

For a time, Tom was part of a Take That tribute band called Take That II, before eventually finding success in British-Irish boy band The Wanted.

The group formed in 2009 and consisted of him and his fellow band members, Jay McGuiness, Max George, Siva Kaneswaran and Nathan Sykes.

During Tom's time in The Wanted, the band achieved widespread international success, releasing three studio albums and 15 singles.

Paying tribute to the star, Tom's bandmate, Siva, 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"

Union J singer JJ Hamblett has called Tom Parker a "an incredible artist and real family man" after his death aged 33 following a brain tumour diagnosis.

He tweeted: "Just seen the news...I am speechless!!!"

"Tom Parker was such a nice guy who was an incredible artist and real family man!

"Such a cruel, cruel world... RIP Tom.. you will be missed but never never forgotten".

The Vamps' Connor Ball has tweeted following Tom Parker's death aged 33.

He wrote: "33 is far too young, so much sadness, Rest in peace Tom Parker".

Ed Sheeran sent his condolences to the family of Tom Parker.

He said on Instagram: "So sad to hear of Tom's passing. Thoughts and love are with Kelsey, his children and his family. Very sad day, what a lovely guy."