James Argent says Tom Parker stayed 'strong' during his brain cancer battle because of his wife

James Argent has revealed that Tom Parker was able to stay 'strong' during his cancer battle because of his wife Kelsey's 'love and support. 

Former TOWIE star 'Arg', 34, described Kelsey as The Wanted star's 'rock' as he spoke about his friend on Thursday's Good Morning Britain. 

The reality star said Tom managed to stay 'strong' throughout his brain cancer battle because of the 'love and support' Kelsey gave him.

Tribute: James Argent has revealed that Tom Parker was able to stay 'strong' during his cancer battle because of his wife Kelsey's 'love and support

Speaking to Kate Garraway and Richard Bacon, James explained: 'Kelsey was like Tom's rock and the reason why he was so strong and was doing well for so long was because of her hard work, love and support.'

He was a close pal of Tom and his wife Kelsey Hardwick, having previously worked with him and performed at the couple's 2018 stag do. 

Tom died on March 30 aged 33 surrounded by his loved ones and bandmates, following a two-year battle with stage 4 glioblastoma. 

James said he asked Kelsey's permission to appear on the chat show, adding: 'I checked with Kelsey before I came on today, to make sure she was happy, and she was really keen on me coming on.

Close bond: Former TOWIE star 'Arg', 34, described Kelsey as The Wanted star's 'rock' as he spoke about his friend on Thursday's Good Morning Britain

'She didn't want me to just talk about me and Tom's friendship, just the fact of how much of an incredible person he was and to raise awareness.' 

The reality TV star, who was speaking one day after Tom's funeral, described the service as 'beautiful' as he said he could feel his friend's presence there. 

He added: '[The funeral] was extremely sad at times - it was tough for everyone, however there were really special beautiful moments throughout the day and it really felt like Tom's presence was there. It couldn't have gone any better. The sun was shining.'

James gave a heartfelt tribute to his friend as he gushed that everyone 'adored' Tom and admitted that the singer had helped him through many difficult times.

Pals: Former TOWIE star 'Arg', 34, described Tom's funeral as 'beautiful and 'really special' as he appeared on Thursday's Good Morning Britain to speak about his friend

'Tom was amazing, he was a real spiritual person and he was always giving advice and he was very caring and loving. We all adored him,' James said.

James and Tom have been longtime pals after meeting on reality TV series The Jump in 2016, when they shared a house for six weeks in Austria during filming.

The TV personality said they spent every day 'in and out of each other's pockets' and formed a fast friendship, before later starring on The Real Full Monty together.

Looking back on the funny moments of the ITV show, where they bared all live on stage, James said: 'Me and Tom also did a show called The Real Full Monty together and both of us stripped off butt-naked live on television on ITV. 

Stylish: Ahead of his appearance on GMB to speak about his pal Tom, James shared a photograph of himself in ITV studios to his Instagram stories

'I'll never forget nights like that. I remember us two having spray tans together and he looked and me and looked down and said "Arg you're in trouble".' 

Ahead of his appearance on GMB to speak about his pal Tom, James shared a photograph of himself in ITV studios to his Instagram stories.

In the selfie, James - who recently shed 14 stone following weight loss surgery - sported an orange corduroy jacket and matching trousers.

His comments on GMB came just one day after James was among floods of celebrities who attended Tom's funeral on Wednesday.

'We all adored him': James paid tribute to his friend as he gushed that everyone 'adored' Tom as he admitted that the singer helped him through difficult times 

Kelsey had invited mourners to gather outside the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish Church in Petts Wood for the 10:45am service, where screens broadcasted the service.

James looked solemn as he arrived at the funeral alongside his ex-girlfriend Lydia Bright, 31, who he dated from 2008 until 2016. 

Family and close friends of the star gathered in The Sovereign Of The Seas pub opposite the funeral parlour before the procession began.

Outside St Francis of Assisi church, flowers spelled out the words 'Glad You Came', the title of The Wanted's 2011 hit that went to number one in multiple countries. 

Funeral: His comments on GMB come one day after James was among floods of celebrities who attended Tom's funeral on Wednesday alongside his ex-girlfriend Lydia Bright 

Kelsey had politely requested that people donate to her GoFundMe account instead of sending gifts and flowers, as she explained the proceeds would be going to causes in Tom's name.

She said: 'We want to take everyone's incredible love, support and generosity and turn our grief into something positive and to keep Tom's memory alive forever. 

'We politely request that instead of gifts and flowers, donations are made to this GoFundMe account with all proceeds eventually going to amazing causes in Tom's name, to help others in need.'

It is not the first time James has paid his respects to Tom, as he shared a tribute to his 'kind, caring and fun' pal after his death as he lauded the singer for 'helping him through tough times'.

Together: James looked solemn as he arrived at the funeral alongside his Lydia, 31, who he dated from 2008 until 2016

James shared a selection of pictures and videos documenting their friendship after Tom's death from brain cancer age 33.

The star has openly discussed his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, but he is now happily sober, even telling MailOnline his mother and best friends worried he would die due to his addiction. 

One image showed the reality star in the midst of a Facetime call with The Wanted star, with another also seeing James attending the baby shower for Tom's wife Kelsey. 

In the caption, James wrote: 'Tom was such a Kind, Caring & Fun person. A truly Lovely and Beautiful man who was so Strong & Positive. 

'I'm so grateful for all the memories I have with you & the quality time we spent together. 

History: It is not the first time that James has paid his respects to Tom, as he shared a tribute to 'kind' Tom after his death as he lauded the singer for 'helping him through tough times'

Open: In a caption, James wrote: 'Tom was such a Kind, Caring & Fun person. A truly Lovely and Beautiful man who was so Strong & Positive'

'From those weeks in Austria taking part in 'The Jump' to us both stripping off & getting butt naked live on tv for ''The Real Full Monty''. 

'Performing together at your stag do is something I'll never forget & always cherish. Being at both your engagement & baby party meant the world to me. 

'You & @being_kelsey have been great friends to me. All those video calls and advice you gave me really helped me through tough times. 

'You & Kelsey are the definition of soulmates, The most solid & perfectly matched couple I've ever known. Your beautiful children will know how much of a legend there Dad was. I miss & love you mate.'

Tom's death was announced by Kelsey in a heartbreaking Instagram post on March 30, after he was diagnosed with stage 4 glioblastoma in October 2020, and given just 12 months to live by doctors.

Sad news: Tragic news of Tom's death was confirmed by his wife Kelsey after he battled a brain tumour for two years