Everything you wanted to know about The Wanted
They reunited in 2021
Last updated 31st Mar 2022
On 30th March 2022, the sad news that Tom Parker had passed away from an inoperable brain tumour, at the age of just 33, was announced by the band and his wife Kelsey. Tom had been receiving treatment in Spain, before joining the band on their 'Most Wanted - The Greatest Hits' tour. Tributes to Tom Parker were shared by many artists.
In September 2021, after a seven year hiatus, The Wanted announced they were going to reunite. Not only that, but they announced a greatest hits album, brand-new music AND that they would perform their first live show in seven years.
Since the reunion, the band went on to release their album 'Most Wanted - The Greatest Hits', and comeback single 'Rule The World'. Here we take a look at how Max George, Siva Kaneswaran, Jay McGuiness, Nathan Sykes and the late Tom Parker, became famous and what some of their biggest songs are.
Who are The Wanted?
The Wanted were formed in 2009 by Jayne Collins who also created The Saturdays. They are managed by Scooter Braun, known for managing big acts such as Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and Demi Lovato. Find out more about the individual members below.
Max George
Max George is a talented singer, dancer and DJ. The singer appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2020 as well as launching his solo career when The Wanted had a hiatus. You can read more about Max George here.
Siva Kaneswaran
Siva Kaneswaran was born in Ireland. As well as singing as part of The Wanted he has worked as a model and actor. Siva has appeared in one episode of Uncle Max, a children's comedy television series, and TV series Rock Rivals, where he and his brother played Carson and Caleb Coombs. Siva competed on Dancing On Ice in 2023.
Jay McGuiness
In 2015, Jay took part in Strictly Come Dancing, paired with Aliona Vilani, and won the series! He and Siva also partnered up on the first series of Celebrity Hunted back in 2017, which they also won!
Tom Parker
Tom Parker grew up in Bolton, and although he's best known for being in The Wanted he did audition for The X Factor, but was unsuccessful.
As well as his success in The Wanted he has appeared on Celebrity Masterchef, he came third on The Jump after replacing Tina Hobley, and played Danny Zuko in the UK tour of Grease.
Sadly, on 30th March, Tom passed away at the end of just 33 with his family by his side.
Nathan Sykes
As well as his huge success with The Wanted, Nathan Sykes had success as a solo artist, with 'Kiss Me Quick' which reached Number 14 in the UK and was a Number 1 hit in the US Club chart.
The follow up to his debut solo song was 'Over and Over Again' which was a Top 10 hit in the UK.
Did Nathan Sykes and Ariana Grande release a song together?
Nathan Sykes and Ariana Grande released two songs together! The pair, who dated briefly in 2013, released 'Almost Is Never Enough' in 2013, and 'Over And Over Again' in 2016.
What was The Wanted's first performance after they reunited?
The Wanted's first live performance in seven years was for a charity concert in September 2021. The band took to the stage at Tom Parker's charity concert for Stand Up To Cancer called Inside My Head, taking place at the Royal Albert Hall.
Tom was sadly diagnosed with a brain tumour in October 2020 and shared in January 2021 that he was continuing treatment after the tumour had been "significantly reduced".
When were The Wanted on tour?
The Wanted started their 'Most Wanted - The Greatest Hits' tour, which started in Glasgow on Thursday 3rd March 2022.
The Wanted took to their official socials to tell their fans how happy they were to be back on tour saying: 'Glasgow, tonight was INSANE. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts ❤️ Hope you had an amazing night and we’ll see you tomorrow night in Newcastle 🎉🎉'.
On 1st March 2022, Tom Parker revealed to fans that he would be missing the beginning of the tour due to a delay in the cancer treatment he had been receiving in Spain. Tom wrote on his socials: 'So, as most of you know, I’ve been out in Spain on a treatment programme for the past couple of weeks. It was only meant to last 20 days but due to a couple of logistical changes with tests and results it won’t be complete until the end of the week now which has delayed our journey home.'
He continued: 'I’m obviously gutted that I’ll be missing the first few shows but as I’m sure you will understand, I have to complete my treatment cycle. I’ve been zooming into rehearsals all week and I know that the show will be incredible and that my boys will hold the fort until I’m back. Can’t wait to see you all very soon, hope you all enjoy the show.'
On Monday 7th March 2022, Tom joined the rest of the band on stage. He later shared photos of himself on stage saying: 'Me n the lads'. (sic) In a later post with a series of photo he also wrote: 'Me me the man himself'.
At the end of the tour, Max reflected on the experience saying: 'We did it. @tomparkerofficial .. YOU did it! All I can say in words is thank you for making such beautiful memories over the last few weeks. I love every single one of you who stuck with us. May our hearts be full, like our drinks tonight, may we sing and dance til’ we lose our minds, we are only young if we seize the night, tonight we own the night. This is not the end…..'.
Have The Wanted won any BRIT Awards?
The Wanted are one of Britain's biggest pop boy bands, having sold over 12 million records worldwide, scoring two UK Number 1 singles. The band have also been nominated for two BRIT Awards.
What are The Wanted's most successful songs?
'All Time Low'
'All Time Low' was The Wanted's first song. Not only was it their debut song but it was a huge success reaching Number 1 in the UK. The song was released on 25th July 2010 and was certified Platinum in the UK, it sampled Coldplay's 'The Scientist'.
'Glad You Came'
'Glad You Came' was one of The Wanted's biggest hits. It reached Number 1 when it was released in 2011 and was also a big hit around the world reaching Number 3 in the US.
'Glad You Came' was certified Platinum in the UK.
Here's The Wanted performing 'Glad You Came' at Hits Live Birmingham in 2021:
Have The Wanted split up?
No, The Wanted have definitely not split up! The band announced a hiatus in 2014, but have since reunited. Tom, Nathan, Max and Siva all launched solo music careers, whilst Jay took home the Strictly Come Dancing trophy in 2015, before becoming a leading man in the West End.
The band reunited for their 'Most Wanted - The Greatest Hits' tour in 2022.
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All of the Strictly Come Dancing winners to date
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