The Wanted has re-released one of its hit songs in memory of late band member Tom Parker to raise money for a brain tumour charity.
Bolton-born Parker – who was known for being one fifth of The Wanted since 2009 – was diagnosed with an inoperable terminal brain tumour known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) back in October 2020, and had since been undergoing a number of treatments in an attempt to prolong his life.
But it was sadly confirmed that he passed away peacefully with his family, loved ones, and bandmates by his side on 30 March 2022.
Tom left behind his wife Kelsey, and two children – Aurelia, two, and Bodhi, one.
Now, just weeks after his tragic passing and after Parker’s family requested that the band’s 2011 single Gold Forever be played at his funeral memorial service on 20 April, band members Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness and Nathan Sykes have decided to create an updated version of the track titled Gold Forever (for Tom).
The re-recorded version was played to attendees at Parker’s funeral.
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We are profoundly grateful to The Wanted that donations from the sales of this single will help us fund world-class research and vital support services for anyone affected by brain tumours. ❤️#AcceleratingACure#ACureCantWait#TheWanted
— The Brain Tumour Charity (@BrainTumourOrg) April 27, 2022
Gold Forever was originally released in 2011 as the lead song from The Wanted’s second studio album, Battleground, and was the official Comic Relief single, before it went on to reach number three on the Official Chart Company’s UK singles chart – which made it the band’s third top 10 single.
This time around though, Gold Forever (for Tom), has been made available for download and on streaming services in memory of Parker, and crucially, to raise funds for a worthy charity.
The Wanted, Island Records, and the writers and producers of the song have confirmed that they will be donating all net proceeds to The Brain Tumour Charity – a UK-based organisation that is dedicated to funding research, raising awareness, and providing support and information to people with brain tumours.
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The charity said the re-release of the single is “a moving tribute” to Tom, and has said it is “profoundly grateful” that donations will help it fund world-class research and vital support services for anyone affected by brain tumours.
Tom Parker alongside his bandmates in The Wanted / Credit: The Wanted
Tom’s devastating passing was first announced by his wife Kelsey on Instagram, who said in an emotional tribute: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we confirm Tom passed away peacefully earlier today with all of his family by his side.
“Our hearts are broken, Tom was the centre of our world and we can’t imagine life without his infectious smile and energetic presence.
“We are truly thankful for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we all unite to ensure Tom’s light continues to shine for his beautiful children. Thank you to everyone who has supported in his care throughout, he fought until the very end.
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“I’m forever proud of you.”
Featured Image – The Wanted
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BBC to air long-lost Morecambe and Wise episode this month to celebrate star’s 100th birthday
Emily Sergeant
A long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show is set to air on the BBC this month, after being ‘missing’ for decades.
In what is already gearing up to be a memorable moment, the episode – which was first broadcast on the BBC on 16 September 1968, and was thought to have been lost forever before being recovered – will be shown on BBC Four and BBC iPlayer in a couple of weeks time to coincide with when Eric Morecambe would have turned 100 years old.
The episode was discovered by Film Is Fabulous! – which is a charitable trust run by film collectors and television enthusiasts.
It was found in the estate of a former television industry professional, before being returned to the BBC.
Audiences tuning in to the episode can expect to see sketches written by Sid Green and Dick Hills – with Ann Hamilton appearing as Pauline in a sketch set in a nudist colony, while Jenny Lee-Wright plays Eric’s niece, a balloon dancer.
📢 ‘Missing’ episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show is coming to the BBC!
A long-lost episode first broadcast in 1968 will be shown on BBC Four and @BBCiPlayer on Thursday 14 May, to coincide with when Eric Morecambe would have turned 100
It also includes a musical performance from The Paper Dolls, who enjoyed hits in the 1960s.
This ‘lost’ programme is the third episode from Morecambe and Wise’s first series after returning to the BBC, following a period working with commercial television.
Eric Morecambe’s daughter, Gail, has described the recovery of the episode as ‘a lovely surprise’, adding: “I’m really looking forward to seeing it on a screen once again after so many years.”
Gary Morecambe, Eric’s son, added: “I honestly didn’t think there was anything out there left to find, and when something like this comes out of nowhere, it’s really quite wonderful. Hats off to Professor Justin Smith and his team, whose dedication and hard work brought this gem back to us. I’m very excited about seeing it for the first time since I was 12.”
Noreen Adams, who is the Director of BBC Archives, concluded: “We’re delighted to share this comedy gold that we thought was lost forever with viewers across the UK.”
This long-lost episode of The Morecambe and Wise Show will be broadcast on BBC Four at 8pm on on Thursday 14 May, and available to watch whenever you like on BBC iPlayer from then.
Featured Image – BBC | Film is Fabulous!
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Channel 4 is looking for Mancs to play world’s biggest game of hide and seek
Emily Sergeant
‘Cunning’ Mancs are wanted to take part in the world’s biggest game of hide and seek, as a popular reality competition show returns.
The Hunt: Prey vs Predator is coming back to Channel 4, and producers have now put out a nationwide casting call for contestants to take part.
People from Greater Manchester are being urged to put an application in.
Described as being an ‘exciting’ reality series, The Hunt: Prey vs Predator is a psychological competitive adventure show where players are tasked with tracking down and hunting their rivals in the ultimate game of cat and mouse in the wild.
Channel 4 is looking for Mancs to play world’s biggest game of hide and seek / Credit: Channel 4
Produced by CPL Productions Ltd – the BAFTA award-winning production company behind Married At First Sight UK and Love is Blind UK – the show’s creators are now calling on ‘cunning’ people with the charm and skill to compete to get in touch and apply for the upcoming series.
A casting call on the Channel 4 website simply reads: “Do you want to play the world’s biggest, most exciting game of hide and seek?
“If you have the cunning, charm, and skill to compete, we want to hear from you.”
Think you’ve got what it takes? Applications for the next series of The Hunt: Prey vs Predator are now open, and all you need to do is fill in a short application form and one of the production team will get back to you if they would like to proceed.
Emily Sergeant -
27th April 2022 
