Steps star Faye Tozer has shared the heartbreaking news her mum has died. The singer, known for being one-fifth of the much-loved pop group, has been flooded with support after she told her social media followers that her beloved mum passed away last month.
Last July, Faye told how Dorothy had been diagnosed with lung cancer, after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. She said her mum was told in December 2020 by doctors that she had cancer on her lungs following a scan after suffering with respiratory problems.
Last year, mother and daughter shared the devastating health diagnosis with OK! magazine, with Dorothy explaining that medical professionals discovered growing cancer on the left lung, then a smaller, different cancer on the right lung. In March 2021, Dorothy had an operation to remove the cancer in the left lung and last week she underwent CyberKnife treatment, a robotic radiotherapy procedure, to help the right lung.
Sharing her shock, Faye said that it "was so disheartening" due to her mum just "coming to the end of the breast cancer treatment" but that her "treatment has been brilliant."
While Faye hasn't shared if this was her mum's cause of death, the pop star has made a gushing tribute to her 'lioness' mother. She shared a video montage of images set to Spice Girls track 'Mama' and typed: "Mum [broken heart emoji] It is with a heavy heart that I share that our wonderful Mum passed away on August 24th 2022.
"She was a lioness, and a warrior and lived her life to the fullest. She was my biggest critic and biggest fan and taught me that there was nothing I couldn’t do if I put my mind to it.
"She was such an inspiration and a mentor to myself and so many others. I am sharing this now because I wanted to carry on performing with @officialsteps to finish our #Steps25 celebrations which I know she would have wanted." Faye went on to thank her Steps bandmates - Ian 'H' Watkins, Lisa Scott-Lee, Claire Richards and Lee Latchford-Evans.
She added: "I want to thank the band and all of my family north and south for their support during this time and know that we sang our little out for her. I know she’ll have been so proud watching over us x."
It appears Dorothy died just before the band found out they had officially gone to number one with their new album, Platinum Collection, which celebrates their 25 years in the industry. It means the band have had four number one albums in four consecutive decades.
Faye was quickly flooded with support from her celebrity pals and fans. Singer Louise Redknapp wrote: " So sad to hear this I’m sending you lots of love , thinking of you." Former Strictly pro Kevin Clifton commented: " So sorry to hear this Faye." Radio 2 host Zoe Ball replied: "O h Faye darling. so sorry for your loss. may her star shine brightest always."
Emmerdale actress Michelle Hardwick shared: "Oh Faye, I’m so sorry to hear this. Sending so much love to you all." Masked Dancer judge Oti Mabuse wrote: " So sorry to hear about your loss." Actress and singer Martine McCutcheon added: "Oh darling. You brave girl. Sending you so much love. Thinking of you angel."
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