JAMES Argent has paid tribute to his close friend Tom Parker, thanking him for seeing him through “tough times”.
The former The Only Way Is Essex star took to Instagram with a series of photos and videos with Tom, who tragically passed away on Wednesday.
James, 34, shared the emotional tribute with his social media fans, writing that he was “so grateful” for everything Tom had done for him.
The Wanted singer’s wife Kelsey confirmed he had passed away on March 30, after battling an inoperable brain tumour since October 2020.
She wrote: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side.
“Our hearts are broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence.”
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On Thursday, James took to Instagram to pay tribute to his pal, as he struggled to come to terms with the tragic loss.
Alongside a selfie of the pair smiling, sitting shoulder-to-shoulder, the reality TV penned: “Tom was such a Kind, Caring & Fun person.
“A truly Lovely and Beautiful man who was so Strong & Positive. I’m so grateful for all the memories I have with you & the quality time we spent together.”
James looked back on the time he and Tom had spent filming for ITV show The Jump, as well as The Real Full Monty.
He went on to share a series of photos of the pair together, including at his daughter’s baby shower and on fun nights out together.
“You & Kelsey have been great friends to me,” James continued. “All those video calls and advice you gave me really helped me through tough times.
“You & Kelsey are the definition of soulmates, the most solid & perfectly matched couple I’ve ever known.”
“Your beautiful children will know how much of a legend their Dad was,” the TV star signed off. “I miss & love you mate.”
Fans and friends flooded the comments section of the post to wish James the best as he mourned his friend.
Among them were Gogglebox star Tom Malone, Towie’s Georgia Kousoulou and Blue Peter presenter Anthea Turner.
The Wanted singer Tom requested Oasis’ classic hit Live Forever as he passed away with his bandmates and family by his side yesterday.
The singer, 33, passed away on Wednesday afternoon after he was diagnosed with “inoperable” glioblastoma in October 2020.
Tom rose to fame as a member of chart-topping boy band The Wanted but revealed he had stage 4 glioblastoma in October 2020.
A close friend of the family told The Sun: “You might have thought Tom would opt for something by The Wanted but Oasis’ Live Forever sums him up perfectly – he was a rockstar and that’s how he wants to be remembered.
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“It’s a real anthem to strength and defiance and some of the lyrics really speak to his struggle. Like the track says, Tom really will live forever in his children, his fans and his music.”
The 33-year-old tragically leaves behind children Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one, as well as his wife Kelsey, 32.
