WANDERERS have paid tribute to The Wanted star Tom Parker, after he died from an inoperable brain tumour yesterday at the age of 33.

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

In a Twitter post the Bolton Wanderers said: “We were saddened to learn of the passing of Wanderers fan and former The Wanted star Tom Parker aged 33, following his diagnosis with an inoperable brain tumour.

“All at Bolton Wanderers wish to send condolences to Tom's loved ones at this time.”

It comes as The Wanted star Nathan Sykes, also paid tribute, along with hundreds of fans and those that knew him.

Nathan described his bandmate Tom Parker as “the most passionate, funny, driven and inspiring person you could wish to meet”.

Nathan, shared a video of the boyband’s last performance together in Liverpool earlier this month, which came as part of their delayed reunion tour.

The group – Tom, Nathan, Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, and Jay McGuiness – are seen rising on to the stage and performing their 2012 song Gold Forever.

He captioned the post: “I can’t begin to express how I feel right now.

“This video was taken during our last performance together in Liverpool just two weeks ago that will stay with me forever.

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to share this video, but I thought that some of you may take comfort in seeing so much joy in one place with a few additions that have definitely made me feel all kinds of emotions today.

“Tom was the most passionate, funny, driven and inspiring person you could wish to meet and I’m so grateful that I was given the honour of being a part of his journey, and even more grateful I can call him my friend as well as one of four brothers.

“He was the reason that the band came back together, and the last six months have been the greatest pleasure of my life.

“Our lives will never be the same. Thank you, Tom, for bringing your light to the world.

“I hope we meet again one day, rest well, brother.”

Siva also paid tribute, directly addressing his late bandmate in a post on Instagram.

He wrote: “Hey Tom, hope you’re having a blast up there.

“I am so grateful that I had a chance to witness your true courage. It has been a pleasure of my life Tommy Boy.

“Thank you for letting us see you light up the world. Talk to you soon and see you later. Love you brother.”

Ed Sheeran, former One Direction star Liam Payne, and boyband Blue were also among those paying tribute from the world of music.

His widow, Kelsey Parker, formerly Hardwick, said the hearts of his family were “broken” and she remembered the singer’s “infectious smile and energetic presence”.

They had been married since 2018 and welcomed their son, Bodhi, in October last year.

The Bolton News: Tom Parker and Kelsey Hardwick arrive at Jurassic Park live at the Royal Albert Hall in London.Tom Parker and Kelsey Hardwick arrive at Jurassic Park live at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Their daughter, Aurelia Rose, was born in 2019.

During an appearance on This Morning, Tom joked that they were hoping for another.

Tom appeared alongside his bandmates at a Stand Up to Cancer event in December, marking the first time they had performed together since 2014.

The group, best known for hits Glad You Came, Chasing the Sun, and All Time Low, also recently released a greatest hits album, entitled Most Wanted – The Greatest Hits.

Tom used his platform to campaign for better treatments for those suffering brain traumas.

He told an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Brain Tumours in December: “I’m staggered they can find a cure for Covid within a year but, for decades on end, they haven’t found better treatments let alone a cure for brain tumours.

“Why is it taking so long for clinical trials to come through?”