Tom Parker’s widow Kelsey gives birth to baby boy River

Kelsey Parker, who was married to Tom Parker of chart-topping boyband The Wanted, shared the news on Instagram with a photograph showing her newborn son’s arm alongside a sign bearing the name River.

Announcing the arrival, she wrote: “Welcome to the world, River. Our little bit of hope.”

The happy news comes after an incredibly difficult period for Kelsey and her partner Will, whose son Phoenix was stillborn at 39 weeks last year.

Speaking publicly about the tragedy earlier this year, Kelsey revealed she gave birth at home and immediately realised something was wrong.

She said: “You could just see that he was no longer with us.”

Kelsey later described the traumatic aftermath, including the arrival of police and being taken to hospital following the loss of her baby.

The podcaster and author announced her latest pregnancy in May, describing her baby as her “rainbow baby” after the heartbreak of losing Phoenix.

In an emotional social media post at the time, she wrote: “A year ago next month, we lost our beautiful baby boy, Phoenix.

“And somehow, through all the heartbreak, it feels like Tom and Phoenix have sent us another little gift from heaven, our little rainbow baby.”

The birth announcement was met with messages of support from a host of celebrities, including Rochelle Humes, Susanna Reid and Holly Hagan-Blyth.

Kelsey shares two children, Aurelia and Bodhi, with Tom Parker, who grew up in Bolton and found fame with The Wanted.

Tom died in March 2022 aged 33 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.

His death prompted an outpouring of grief from fans across the UK and particularly in his hometown of Bolton, where he remained a much-loved local figure.

The arrival of baby River marks a joyful new chapter for Kelsey and her family following years marked by both profound loss and resilience.