Tom Parker dead: Wanted singer dies aged 33 after battle with brain tumour

The Wanted star Tom Parker has died after a heartbreaking battle with brain cancer.

The singer, originally from Bolton, died on Wednesday surrounded by his family and bandmates, a statement released by the group said.

He disclosed in October 2020 that he had been diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma and had begun radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Despite his diagnosis, in recent weeks he had performed on stage with his bandmates as part of their much-delayed reunion tour.

The singer's wife Kelsey, 32, shared the sad news on Instagram.

Kelsey wrote: "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's wife shared the sad news on Instagram
Yui Mok

"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."

The Wanted singer announced last week he had written a book about his battle with a terminal brain tumour, after his diagnosis in 2020.

Tom told his fans: "My book is not 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."

A statement on The Wanted’s Instagram page 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.

File photo dated 11/12/11 of (left to right) Jay McGuiness, Nathan Sykes, Max George, Tom Parker and Siva Kaneswaran of The Wanted during T4's Stars of 2011 event, at Earls Court, London. The Wanted star Tom Parker has died at the age of 33 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, the band has announced. The singer revealed his diagnosis in October 2020 and underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Issue date: Wednesday March 30, 2022.
Ian West

“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.”

Tom Parker achieved great success as a member of one of the UK’s chart-topping boy bands, later going on to triumph on stage and television.

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.

Parker initially auditioned for The X Factor after learning to play the guitar at the age of 16, but did not make it past the first round of the competition.

He abandoned his musical pursuits for a short time to study geography at Manchester Metropolitan University, but later dropped out to have another shot at achieving his dream of becoming a professional singer.

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

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

Parker and his bandmates released their eponymous debut album in 2010, quickly achieving success as it peaked at number four on the UK Albums Chart. Their debut single, All Time Low, debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart.

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

In January 2014, The Wanted announced a hiatus in order for the band members to pursue solo projects.

During the break, Parker continued to work on his music career. In 2014, he collaborated with rapper and DJ Richard Rawson, known by his stage name Fazer, to release the track Fireflies.

In 2015, Parker released a solo single, Undiscovered.