Dancing On Ice viewers have been left in tears after a touching tribute was paid to Tom Parker on last night’s show.
As fans of the popular ITVreality show will know, Siva Kaneswaran – who has been a member of boyband The Wanted since 2009 – is currently a contestant in this year’s competition, and for last night’s show, he laced up his skates and took to the ice with the important task of paying tribute to his late bandmate and best mate, Tom Parker.
The Bolton-born singer was diagnosed with an inoperable terminal brain tumour known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) back in October 2020, and underwent a number of treatments in an attempt to prolong his life, before he passed away peacefully with his family, loved ones, and bandmates by his side.
With it nearing the first anniversary since Tom’s devastating passing, Siva and his professional skating partner Klabera performed an emotional routine in his memory.
The couple chose The Wanted’s hugely-popular 2012 single ‘Gold Forever’ to perform their touching tribute to – which is a song that’s taken on a new life since Tom’s passing, and is one fans often associate with the late star after it was played at his funeral.
The band also famously re-released the song in Tom’s memory in April last year, with all proceeds going to The Brain Tumour Charity.
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“I can’t even try to find the words about how I feel about him not being around,” Siva explained in the VT ahead of the skate, “Tom sings the first line of the song so obviously it’s going to be very hard hearing his voice.”
“I learnt from being around Tom to use the difficulty and make something positive,” he added.
The skate was praised by judges Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, Ashley Banjo, and Oti Mabuse, with the couple earning a top score of 36 for their performance.
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Tom’s widow Kelsey cheered Siva and Klabera on from the audience.
Dancing On Ice viewers left in tears at tribute to late The Wanted star Tom Parker / Credit: Matt Frost (via ITV)
After the emotional performance, viewers were left in tears and took to social media in their thousands to share their thoughts – with fellow supportive The Wanted member Jay McGuinness writing on Twitter: “The tears are flowing and we are all so proud of our boy. What a special moment, in tribute of the most special guy.”
Another fan wrote on Twitter: “Absolutely stunning, a beautiful tribute to Tom.”
“I am a wreck from this performance,” a third added, while a fourth fan said: “That performance was SO emotional. I commend them for holding it together and I too believe someone was looking down. When Tom’s face came up on screen at the end, I could feel your pain.”
“That was absolutely beautiful to watch. And very emotional. I think Tom would be very proud of that wonderful performance,” another fan wrote.
Siva and Klabera sadly did not make it through to the Dancing On Ice final next week.
Featured Image – Matt Frost (via ITV)
TV & Showbiz
A live concert version of The Muppet Christmas Carol is coming to Manchester
Danny Jones
We know it’s not even the summer yet, but we’re about to drop the C word, because a live concert version of The Muppet Christmas Carol is coming to Manchester.
An all-time classic, adored by children and adults alike, Disney’s Muppet Christmas Carol is arguably one of the best seasonal watches of all time.
Set to be hosted right here in the city centre at one of the most magnificent entertainment venues, the much-loved, festive and musical will be celebrated in its true glory, courtesy of a full orchestra.
It isn’t the first time special screenings of this family-friendly favourite have been held here in Manchester – nor is it the first time the UK has been treated to this particular tour – but if you haven’t tried a Disney Concerts experience before, this is an ideal opportunity.
Announcing not one but two dates at the beautiful Bridgewater Hall, The Muppets’ twist on the legendary Charles Dickens tale, which will see the visuals brought to life with the backing of strings, brass, percussion – the whole shebang.
If you’ve ever been to see one of these ‘live in concert’ type shows, you’ll know how magical they can make rewatching even something you’ve seen countless times before.
With Disney Music Group’s regular troupe of touring players taking on the original score and well-known soundtrack, you won’t be able to help but sing back every word.
Originally composed by Miles Goodman (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Little Shop of Horrors), along with songs by Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy-winning songwriter, Paul Williams (Rainbow Connection and Evergreen), there’s a reason the sound of this film, specifically, has stuck with so many people.
Just imagine this on the big screen as all the instruments kick in right then and there, in the flesh…
Muppet Christmas Carol in Concert – 2026 UK tour dates
We’ve also highlighted some other Northern options for you:
28 November – London Eventim Apollo
29 November – Poole Lighthouse
1 December – Bradford Live
2 December – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
3 December – Edinburgh Usher Hall
4 December – Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
5 December – Southend Cliffs Pavilion
7 December – Manchester Bridgewater Hall
8 December – Birmingham Symphony Hall
9 December – Birmingham Symphony Hall
10 December – Sheffield City Hall
11 December – Bath Forum
13 December – Brighton Centre
14 December – Portsmouth Guildhall
17 December – Manchester Bridgwater Hall
With performances booked for 7pm on 7 December and the same time on 17 December, Members’ pre-sale goes live this coming Thursday, 23 April at 10am.
As for general admission, tickets will be available from the same time on Friday, 24 April; you can get ready to grab yours HERE.
It’s not the only big Christmassy concert coming to town this year.
UK’s biggest property show is coming to Manchester and needs house hunters for new series
Emily Sergeant
Are you looking to move but finding the house hunting process a lot harder than you thought it would be?
Well, this could be the helping hand you need.
The UK’s biggest property show, Location, Location, Location – which has been a fixture in Channel 4’s schedule for more than 20 years at this point – is looking for house hunters from across Manchester for the new series.
First airing all the way back in 2000, if you’ve never seen Location, Location, Location, it’s fronted by presenters and property experts Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer who head all across the UK to help buyers in search for their dream home.
Despite being on our TV screens for 26 years at this point, Kirstie and Phil have never tired in their efforts to match the nation’s hopeful house hunters with their perfect home.
For its next series being filmed this May, Channel 4 are now looking for individuals, families, and couples from Greater Manchester who need Kirstie and Phil’s expertise to find their next home.
The UK’s biggest property show is coming to Manchester and needs house hunters for its new series / Credit: James Feaver (via Unsplash)
Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, first timer buyers, or looking for a forever home, Channel 4 wants to hear from you.
“We are casting for the new series, and we are interested in hearing from chain free (or SSTC) house hunters who would be ready to buy in May this year,” a spokesperson for Channel 4 said as the casting call was announced.
“Applications are now open and we’re looking for individuals, families and couples who need Kirstie and Phil’s expertise to buy their dream home.”
Emily Sergeant -
6th March 2023 
