The Apprentice star Tom Allen left in ‘total shock’ as his ‘wonderful’ dad dies suddenly
Complaints Welcome: Tom Allen reveals blunder in The Larkins
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Comedian and The Apprentice star Tom Allen discovered on Tuesday night that his father had died following a sudden heart attack.
In a touching tribute on his Instagram page, he shared his devastation that the much-loved 80-year-old was gone.
e was a wonderful kind man and we love him very much
Tom Allen
“I’m so sad to report that my wonderful dad has died. It was a total shock”, he wrote.
“He was with mum and he had a heart attack last night.
“He grew up in one room in Penge and worked hard every day of his life.
“He said things like ‘You can never run out of love’ and ‘Always go into everything with a good heart’.”
He added mischievously of his father’s cheeky side: “He was also inclined to write ‘shove it’ in a birthday card.”
The 38-year-old explained that sharing memories of his father publicly was an important step on his journey to healing.
“It feels like part of the grieving process that I wanted to tell you: He was a wonderful kind man and we love him very much,” Tom wrote emotionally.
He also shared a photo of the pair celebrating his 80th birthday, alongside Tom’s brother.
Tom’s celebrity pals have taken time to write their messages of condolence to him on Instagram.
Former Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley replied: “Sweetheart I’m so very sorry. Sending love and strength to you all”.
Meanwhile, Jamie Redknapp, the former footballer and ex-husband of singer Louise, added: “I’m so sorry to hear this Tom.”
Fellow comedian Alan Carr sympathised: “So sorry for you. Love to you and your family”.
Plus, another comrade in the industry, presenter Gaby Roslin added: “Sending you so much love and my deepest sympathies to you and your family”.
Others to offer their good wishes included TOWIE star Gemma Collins and King Gary star Tom Davis.
Tom has spent much of his adult life in the entertainment industry.
He began his showbiz career as a stand-up comic aged just 22 and went on to bag the top spot in both So You Think You’re Funny in Edinburgh and the BBC New Comedy Awards that same year.
His website praises that “since then he has honed his unique style of sharp, acerbic wit and camp, riotous storytelling by performing to audiences all over the UK and around the world”.
Now 38, his TV resume includes appearances on shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Mock the Week, The Great British Bake Off’s Extra Slice and Celebrity The Crystal Maze to name just a few.
However he is perhaps most famed for his role hosting the Apprentice spin-off show You’re Fired!.
It might be a little while before Tom returns to business as usual, and cracking jokes, but the happy memories of his dearly departed father seem certain to provide comfort in the months to come.
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