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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Entertainment
Katie Fitzpatrick & Andrew Brookes

ITV Dancing On Ice tears over Siva Kaneswaran's tribute to late The Wanted bandmate Tom Parker

Dancing On Ice audience members and viewers were left in tears after an emotional performance by Siva Kaneswaran. The Wanted singer paid tribute to his late bandmate, Tom Parker, a few weeks before the first anniversary of his death.

Tom was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in 2020, when his wife Kelsey was pregnant with their second child. After a sudden deterioration in his condition, Tom died of complications from glioblastoma aged 33 on March 30 last year.

The celebrity skaters performed routines to songs that meant a lot to them during the semi-final of the ITV show last night (Sunday, March 5). Siva skated to The Wanted hit Gold Forever, which was re-released following Tom's death and was played at this funeral, the MEN reports.

READ MORE: ITV Dancing on Ice's Jayne Torvill reveals 'hidden' gesture after Joey Essex and Vanessa Bauer's emotional skate

In a clip introducing the routine, Siva explained that he would be skating out to the opening lines of the song performed by Tom. He admitted it would be difficult hearing his voice, but Tom would have encouraged him to "use the difficulty".

The routine ended with an image of Tom beamed on a big screen as Siva and his pro skating partner Klabera Komini gazed up at it. Kelsey was seen wiping away tears in the audience as she applauded Siva, later telling co-host Holly Willoughby: "Tom would be so proud of him."

Many viewers were also left emotional as they shared their thoughts on social media. On Twitter, Beth wrote: "What a performance from Siva... was in tears from start to finish.. so beautiful."

Katie tweeted: "Siva what an angel you are, you danced so elegantly and gracefully. You have the strength and courage and you danced for our beloved Tom Parker. Not many people can say they danced for their best friend."

She added: "I can’t get over how emotional and how beautiful Siva's performance was. To dedicate that dance to his best friend who sadly passed away was the sweetest thing. Tom will be so proud of you Siva."

Rosie commented: "Yes I was crying... so touching! Bravo Siva you done yourself so proud and I'm sure tom would be looking down beaming with pride." Becca posted: "I am a mess. Siva, that was a beautiful skate. Tom would be so proud."

Lucy tweeted: "Crying like a baby Siva you did him proud, Tom is so loved always." Lolo wrote: "What a beautiful tribute to Tom Parker I heavily sobbed at the end the picture got me" and Soph added: "OMG SIVA IM IN TEARS."

Despite earning him a score of nine out of 10 from all four judges, Siva's performance wasn't enough to save him from being sent home as he and Coronation Street star Mollie Gallagher left the competition in a double elimination. The celebrities through to this weekend's final are TV personality Joey Essex, former Olympic gymnast Nile Wilson and RuPaul's Drag Race winner The Vivienne.

Tom and Kelsey share two children together, Aurelia, who was two at the time of Tom’s passing, and Bodhi who was one. Commenting on what life's been like since losing Tom, Kelsey told the Mirror: "I’ve learned that I’m a really strong person. I didn’t choose this, and yet I’ve got through it as best as I could. I’ve got an amazing support system. I need people around me. I’ll be with my mum, my auntie."

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