The Wanted’s Tom Parker passes away after battling brain tumour

The Wanted's Tom Parker sadly passed away at the age of 33, after battling a brain tumour for the past 18 months. The star was diagnosed with glioblastoma in October 2020. His wife, Kelsey Parker took to instagram to announce that he passed peacefully surrounded by his family and bandmates.

Alongside band members, Max, Jay, Siva and Nathan, Tom was a member of popular boy band, The Wanted, who formed in 2009. The band went on to have two UK number one singles- ‘All Time Low’ and ‘Glad You Came’ as well as top 10 hits including ‘Chasing The Sun’, ‘Heart Vacancy’ and ‘Lightning’. 

The band went on hiatus in 2014, before reuniting for a charity concert at the Royal Albert Hall in September 2021, which was organised by Tom himself to raise money for Stand Up To Cancer. The group then released a greatest hits album in 2021, where shortly after Tom announced that his brain tumour was steady and under control. 

The Wanted embarked on a UK tour last month, where Tom managed to make an appearance at some of the later dates. On each night he was sitting on a throne for the last few songs, surrounded by his bandmates. His dedication to his fans was absolutely incredible and was determined to put on a show for one last time. 

Outside the band, Tom played Danny Zuko in a production of Grease, and also appeared on a celebrity edition of Masterchef in 2015. Tom and Kelsey welcomed their first child, Aurelia into the world in 2019. They also have a son named Bodhi. 

Just before he died, Tom revealed that the singer was releasing an autobiography later this year. The book is about finding hope in any situation that life throws at you, and living your best life no matter what. The book will be released in June and is available to preorder now. 

Tom was an inspiration to many and his presence really did light up the room. He will be greatly missed by many. 

Rosie Morrison

@rosiemorrison_

Image: Ken McKay