The Wanted's Tom Parker tackling brain tumour battle with trademark cheeky spirit, bandmates say
The Wanted bandmembers tell ITV Meridian's Natalie Boare how Tom Parker is doing
The Wanted star Tom Parker hasn't lost his cheeky spirit as he battles a brain tumour in a stable condition, his bandmates have shared.
The hitmakers played a gig in Southampton this week without their fifth member, who is living with a brain tumour - but is still a constant presence in the band.
The pop singer, 33, revealed last October that his condition was 'inoperable' and 'terminal.'But he has since shared promising news with fans - telling them "I'm not dying" - as he shared that his condition is stable and under control.
Watch ITV Meridian's full report on the The Wanted's special gig for Southampton fans:
Bandmate Jay McGuiness gave ITV News Meridian an update on Parker this week, sharing: "Medically speaking, he’s stable - which is a really strong position for him to be in at this point. He’s just doing so well.
"He is the same old Tom that we know and love.
"He always got us in the meeting with the record labels and would just give them hell, and he’s still that force for us."When he’s there he’s just this burning ball of energy." McGuinness said.
Bandmate Max George added that Parker, from Bolton, Greater Manchester, had not lost his trademark playfulness.
He had joined the band in signing albums and responding to special requests for personalised notes.
George recounted: “Every time there was a long one that would be like ‘Tom, can you write “Hi Sophie - loved you from the second that I met you, I one day hope I will marry you- he’d be like ‘is she 'aving a laugh? Three words, love.’”
The Wanted's Tom Parker shares his inspirational story with ITV's This Morning:
The Wanted have performed a special acoustic set for Southampton fans, showcasing tracks from their new album at The Brook.
It has been 11 years since the five-piece first hit the charts.
The band have said they are looking to the future and can't wait to be on stage again next year - with Bournemouth and Brighton on the tour list for March.