The Wanted star and pop sensation Tom Parker died after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, The Wanted announced on Instagram on 30^th March. The singer told his fans about the inoperable brain tumour in October 2020.

His wife, Kelsey, sadly announced the news as he died at the age of 33. Her post said ‘Tom was the centre of our world. We can’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence.’ They both married and had two children together, Aurelia Rose and Bodhi. The band were ‘devastated’ by his death as they were by his side as well as his family.

The Wanted was formed in 2009, the band consisting of Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuinness, Tom Parker and Nathan Sykes. They were formed after open auditions for a boy band held by Jayne Collins who had also formed The Saturdays. The band achieved numerous hit songs, including two UK number one singles – ‘Glad You Came’ and ‘All Time Low.’

Parker was born in Bolton and had a passion for music from a young age. He learned to play the guitar when he was 16. Soon after, he auditioned for the X Factor in 2004 but didn’t get past the first round with the judges, including the infamous Simon Cowell, turning him down. However, Tom’s life changed for the better once he joined The Wanted in 2009 and he hit the X Factor stage with his bandmates, performing on one of the results shows in 2010.

After a successful tour, they released their second studio album in 2011, with the single ‘Glad You Came’ becoming a hit and even topping the charts in America. However, not long after that, the band announced a hiatus in 2014 in order for the boys to work on their individual projects. Parker collaborated with Fazer on the song ‘Fireflies’ during that summer.

He also joined the lineup for Celebrity Masterchef in 2015 and proved his culinary worth by reaching the semi-finals of the show.

Parker met his wife, Kelsey Hardwick, in a nightclub and they were in a relationship for more than 11 years. They announced their engagement in 2016 and got married in 2018.  They welcomed their daughter Aurelia Rose together a year later after the marriage. Their second child, Bodhi, arrived in 2o20 days after Tom announced the news of his illness.

On October 12th 2020, Parker announced the news of his inoperable brain tumour, grade four glioblastoma. He had been going through chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment at the time. His Instagram post, along with his wife Kelsey, said ‘There’s no easy way to say this but I’ve sadly been diagnosed with a Brain Tumour and I’m already undergoing treatment.’

In 2021, Parker put together the Inside My Head fundraiser concert to raise funds and awareness for research. He reunited with his bandmates on stage for an emotional performance in aid of Stand Up To Cancer. Also, he put himself forward for the same name documentary to discuss his diagnosis and health battles.

Last year, after a recent MRI scan, Parker revealed his cancer was stable as well as undergoing special treatment in Spain. As well as reuniting, The Wanted also embarked on a tour across the UK in order to celebrate their comeback.

Tributes have been pouring in for the star. Former One Direction singer Liam Payne told he was ‘heartbroken’ and that Parker was ‘so full of life and humour.’  Presenter and TV personality Davina McCall remembered him as the ‘kindest soul.’

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