THE Wanted lead singer Max George from Greater Manchester and former Bolton student, has paid tribute to bandmate Tom Parker following his death.

Tom Parker sadly died at the age of 33 on Wednesday, after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

The tribute comes as the BBC brought forward an episode of quiz show Pointless featuring Tom Parker in tribute to the singer.

Tom had filmed the celebrity edition alongside  Max, late last year.

The special episode - in which the pair appear in aid of the Brain Tumour Charity and Brain Research UK - will now be broadcast on BBC One on Saturday in memory of the much-loved musician.

In a touching Instagram post, Max, who attended Bolton School, said: “Tom, my brother, my boy, my band mate, my best bud.. “You lit up so many lives all over the world but I can only speak on behalf of mine.

“From the minute I met you, I knew this was gonna be a special chapter in my life.

“I was right.

“We did everything together, some amazing things, some outrageous things.

“I’m so proud of what we achieved as band mates and as brothers.

“I’m also proud that I was there the night you met Kels.

“I remember saying to you, ‘you like her don’t you?’, to which you replied, ‘bro, like you wouldn’t believe’.

“You two really are like peas and carrots.

“Thank you for choosing me as your friend.

“It was an honour from day one.

“I’m so grateful I was with you until the very end.

“The courage and dignity I have witnessed over the last few months surpassed the lion I already knew you were.

“The huge hole now left in my life will forever be there, but I know your spirit will live on through your two beautiful babies, your wonderful wife, our music, your fans and in my heart.

“I’m heartbroken beyond words right now and I cannot even begin to imagine what the future holds without you, but whatever I do going forward, even on my darkest days, I can always smile and say, ‘I shared the stage with Tom Parker’.

“I am going to miss you so much.

“I love you mate. Always. George.”

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