Sophie Ellis-Bextor has paid a heartbreaking tribute to her stepfather after he died.
The singer, 41, took to Instagram to tell fans that her step dad John had passed away last week, saying that while it wasn't unexpected, it was "cruel".
TV producer John, who was married to Sophie's mum, former Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis, 64, has lost his battle with stage four lung cancer.
He had been a big part of Sophie's life ever since she was a little girl.
Sharing a picture of John, she wrote: "This is my step-dad, John. He’s been a big part of my life since I was small. I can’t believe it’s true but he died last week.
"It wasn’t unexpected but it was cruel. Still, the love he and my mum created is all around our family and that stays on forever. Their marriage was truly inspirational - in fact, I wrote Young Blood about them."
The mum-of-five added: "I feel so lucky to have been brought up around that and to have been raised by him, too. He was honestly the loveliest person. Kind, good, funny, smart, subtle, solid and clear..
"It’ll always be sad that he isn’t here but I’m thankful for all he’s done for us and for so, so many happy memories. Love is the most mighty thing of all and it outlives everything. Xxx"
Janet and John, who was the former managing director of TV production company Sunset+Vine, tied the knot in 1988 after the breakdown of her one-year marriage to Sophie's dad, Robin Bextor, 66.
They had married in 1977, two years before welcoming Sophie.
John is also survived by the couple's other two children, Jackson, 33, and Martha, 29.
Back in April, Sophie said she was going into isolation with her husband, The Feeling's Richard Jones, and their children Sonny, 16, Kit, 11, Ray, seven, Jesse, four, and Mickey, 18 months.
They made the decision to go into isolation before the UK's coronavirus lockdown began because they didn't want to risk making John ill during his cancer battle.
Janet spoke about her husband's treatment on Lorraine, saying it had been suspended during the pandemic.
She said: "My husband lives with cancer, so his treatment is suspended at the moment. He has a wonderful doctor who will get him the treatment when he can."
