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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Daniel Bird

The Wanted's Nathan Sykes speaks out for the first time about Tom Parker's tragic death

Nathan Sykes has spoken for the first time since the heartbreaking passing of his The Wanted bandmate, Tom Parker.

In a candid revelation, the singer opened up about performing with Tom on their final tour, just weeks before his death as well as the band coming together for one another.

Tom tragically died at a hospice near their South East London home on March 30 aged just 33 after being diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma.

The dad-of-two continued to work throughout his battle and hoped to inspire people, as well as raising thousands for Stand Up To Cancer.

Speaking about their last tour, Nathan, 29, exclusively told The Mirror: "That whole tour wasn't about music, it was about doing that tour because Tom wanted to do it.

Nathan Sykes has bravely spoken about his pal Tom Parker and his The Wanted bandmates (Getty Images for BAUER)

"I think giving him that moment in front of the fans, and for them to see us as a five was, I think was the right thing to do," before explaining that he had several albums ready to go before he got the call to reunite with his bandmates."

He added: "That was the right thing to do, there are more important things and that time we had with Tom, looking back, is more important than anything.

Tom tragically lost his battle to cancer aged 33 in March of this year (Getty Images for BAUER)
Nathan opened up about why the group decided to tour with Tom (PA)

"Especially the last show, it was a tough one, it was quiet afterwards, I think there was just this kind of energy in the air, that I've never really seen an arena like it, it was kind of a beautiful evening, but something I've never experienced."

Discussing the band's future, the hitmaker added: "I think our focus has changed to supporting each other, which is lovely.

Tom was a proud dad to daughter Aurelia and son Bodhi (Kelsey Parker/Instagram)

"In my opinion, The Wanted will always be a five-piece, I think our focus has shifted in terms of supporting each other and doing things together that can make a difference.

"I don't think we're going to be like 'Let's take on the world, let's do music', I don't think that time is there, or if that time is now, or at all but there is a wonderful focus on being a support network for each other."

Tom announced in October 2020 he had been diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma and had begun radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He wrote about his experience in his book Hope.

Married in 2018, Tom and Kelsey’s son, Bodhi, is two, and daughter, Aurelia Rose, three.

Nathan has teamed up with Omaze's Millon Pound House Draw in support of Dogs Trust (Omaze/Dogs Trust)

The singer has teamed up with Omaze Million Pound House Draw to raffle off an incredible home worth £2.5 million in the Lake District, as well as a whopping £100,000 in cash to support Dogs Trust – a cause close to his heart.

Speaking of the partnership, he explained: "A lot of these partnerships come through management etc, I slid into their DMs during lockdown.

"The work Dogs Trust do is amazing, they are so vital that I just wanted to be able to help in any way I could."

Those who enter could win a stunning home in the Lake District (Omaze)

Reflecting on the prize and how people can help the charity, he said: "It's beautiful, I asked if I could enter and they said 'No', you're nearest neighbours are sheep, it comes with 10 acres of land, it took my breath away, I think that's the first thing people can do to help but aside from that, people can donate."

The Wanted star and Dogs Trust ambassador, Nathan Sykes is promoting the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, Lake District - a new prize draw raising vital funds for Dogs Trust. Enter now here.

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.

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