Ed Sheeran and Liam Payne pay touching tribute to The Wanted's Tom Parker following his death

Musicians Ed Sheeran and Liam Payne led tributes to singer Tom Parker after he passed away at the age of 33 on Wednesday following a battle with brain cancer.

Sheeran sent his condolences to Tom's wife Kelsey and their two children, saying: "So sad to hear of Tom's passing. Thoughts and love are with Kelsey, his children and his family. Very sad day, what a lovely guy." 

While Liam told his followers he was "heartbroken" about Tom's death.

"He was so full of life and humour, and the memories I have of him with stay with me forever. Sending my thoughts out to his family and his brothers in The Wanted," he wrote on his Instagram Stories.

Tom was diagnosed with an inoperable grade 4 glioblastoma in October 2020, and told his followers his brain tumour was stable in November last year. He appeared with his The Wanted bandmates - Max George, Nathan Sykes, Siva Kaneswaran, and Jay McGuiness - on their reunion tour earlier this month.

The group posted a joint statement, which reads, "Max, Jay, Siva, Nathan and the whole Wanted family are devastated by the tragic and premature loss of our bandmate Tom Parker... Tom was an amazing husband to Kelsey, and father to Aurelia and Bodhi. He was our brother, words can't express the loss and sadness we feel. Always and forever in our hearts."

Siva also shared touching tribute to the late musician: "Hey Tom, I 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 an absolute pleasure Tommy Boy. Thank you for letting us see you light up the world. Talk to you soon and see you later. Love you brother." 

McFly star Harry Judd called the news "desperately sad" and said Tom was "incredibly brave and positive" throughout his illness. Tom Fletcher also wrote on Instagram, "Such sad news. Sending all of my love and thoughts to Tom's family, friends, band and everyone who loved him."