The Wanted's Max George recalls Tom Parker's 'punch-ups' as Siva Kaneswaran praises his 'big Boltonian heart' in emotional funeral tributes

Max George bravely spoke at the funeral of his The Wanted bandmate Tom Parker's funeral as it was held today. Hundreds of fans gathered as the singer's friends and family headed to celebrate his life.

Tom, from Bolton, who shot to fame as one-fifth of the pop boyband, tragically died aged just 33 last month surrounded by his family. His passing came 17 months after he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in 2020. He revealed the news of his diagnosis to fans in October 2020 when his wife, Kelsey, was pregnant with their second child.

His widow Kelsey, who he married in 2018 and with who he shared two children, Aurelia, two, and one-year-old son Bodhi, announced the news of his death on March 30 with a statement posted on Instagram alongside a grey and white picture of Tom, telling fans: "Our hearts are broken."

READ MORE: Tom Parker's wife Kelsey and The Wanted bandmates lead mourners at singer's funeral

Earlier this month Kelsey had invited fans to line the streets ahead of the service at the St Francis of Assisi church, in Petts Woods, south-east London. They were able to pay their respects outside and could watch the service outside on screens relaying the ceremony. She also created a GoFundMe page following her husband’s death to 'keep Tom’s memory alive forever' via donations to charitable causes instead of sending flowers and cards.

Max and his The Wanted bandmates Nathan Sykes, Siva Kaneswaran, and Jay McGuinness were pictured arriving for the service before acting as pallbearers, with Champagne Supernova by Oasis being played as they carried the coffin into the church after a horse-drawn procession.

He told attendees during a speech: "I could actually hear him saying, ‘It’s about time’, as he