12 February 2024 , 22:28
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The Wanted's Jay McGuiness has reflected on one of his "favourite" memories of his late pal Tom Parker, as he revealed the one reminder of his former bandmate that he takes everywhere.
The singer-songwriter, 33, appeared on ITV's Lorraine to discuss his debut novel Blood Flowers and other aspects of his career earlier. He was interviewed by guest host Ranvir Singh, 46, who was standing in for Lorraine Kelly, 64.
During the interview, author Jay also spoke about his late bandmate Tom, who passed away, aged 33, in 2022. Tom - who had been in the band with Jay since 2009 - had been diagnosed with brain cancer two years prior to his death.
Jay McGuiness (pictured) reflected on one of his 'favourite' memories of his late pal Tom Parker whilst on ITV's Lorraine this week (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Ranvir brought up during the interview earlier that one of Jay's "favourite memories" was in the same studio. She said: "I know being back in this studio is a place of joy for the Wanted, isn't it? And actually Lorraine was integral to one of your favourite moments with Tom wasn't it."
Jay responded: "That's right, yeah." Footage from a previous interview on Lorraine was then played. It showed Jay, Tom and their bandmates Max George, Siva Kaneswaran and Nathan Sykes being interviewed by presenter Lorraine.
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The clip, which was from an interview in 2021, saw Lorraine apologise as her shirt button "popped" off whilst she was speaking to the band. The incident led to laughter in the studio among Lorraine and her guests at the time.
He spoke about an appearance on the show years prior in which had included himself, Tom (second from left) and their bandmates (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)Ranvir asked Jay to reflect on the experience this week. He shared in response during the interview: "I mean, it's funny because all those sort of things you get told off for like 'boys, come on, like pull it together, stop being idiots' ..."
Jay continued in the interview: "After everything that happened, they become so much more meaningful and you're like 'no, life is too short not to be silly and find the fun in stuff'. And all that sort of stuff. It does make me feel emotional but I do also feel really grateful that it happened."
It was also revealed that he has a photo of Tom on a keyring. Ranvir asked if he takes it "everywhere" and Jay shared: "Yeah. [...] Just to remember and it's a nice reminder. We were together as a squad for so long and like you do become brothers in the most sort tight way and that will never change, and I just y'know ... what a good boy he was."
A photo of the keyring was shown on the ITV show and Jay also shared to guest host Ranvir about it: "I've got a little pepper spray on there as well cause even though I'm a big lad, y'know you've got to be safe out there."