The Wanted Star Tom Parker Dies Aged 33
Tom Parker has died at the age of 33 after being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
He battled an aggressive brain tumour for 18 months.
Parker was one of five endearingly high-energy members of the Wanted, who became one of the most popular British boy bands in a generation.
The Wanted formed in 2009, with Parker, Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Nathan Sykes and Jay McGuiness.
They had two UK number one singles - Glad You Came and All Time Low - and eight other top 10 hits including Chasing The Sun, Heart Vacancy and Lightning.
The singer told fans in October 2020 that he had an inoperable tumour.
The Wanted reunited for a Stand Up To Cancer Gig at London's Royal Albert Hall last September, organised by Parker. It also raised money for the National Brain Appeal.
The group then released a greatest hits album in November.
Tom Parker's wife Kelsey Hardwick wrote on Instagram: "Our hearts are broken." The pair had two young children together.
She added: "Tom was the centre of our world. We can't imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence."
The couple married in 2018 and had a daughter, Aurelia Rose, and a son, Bodhi.
The band said they were "devastated" by Parker's death and that they were with him and his family at his side when he died.
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.”
Non-profit organisation Brain Tumour Research UK released a statement commending Parker's openness about his illness and his fundraising efforts.
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.
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