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ITV star Cher Lloyd has revealed the heartbreaking news that her father has passed away. The singer is mourning the loss of her beloved dad, Darren, following a recent battle with ill health. Cher, who first rose to fame on The X Factor in 2010, shared her grief in an emotional statement posted to social media. The Swagger Jagger singer, 32, wrote on Instagram: "Life will never be the same again. I've never felt pain like this. My Dad, I love you. Goodnight. 10.03.73 - 11.04.26." Cher also posted a screenshot of a text message exchange with her father, in which she had written "I love you dad. More than you'll ever know," to which he replied: "I know you do. And I love you more and more each day see you tomorrow."

Tributes poured in from friends and fans alike, as Katherine Ryan wrote: "May your grief be gentle, Queen x", while All On The Board wrote: "So Sorry to hear this news. Sending you and your family so much love. May your dad rest in peace where nothing can hurt him anymore."

Amongst the flood of supportive messages, one devoted follower wrote: "i'm deeply sorry for your loss cher, sending you loads of love," while another added: "So sorry, I also lost my dad in 2024 so 2025 was the worst year for me in grief, the pain is unbearable I will pray for your healing." A third commented: "Worst pain ever, so sorry for your loss sweet heart. It's a club non of us ever wanted to be in," while a fourth added: "I lost my dad a yr in a half ago and it still hurts bad. I miss that man so much. Sorry for your loss."

Cher's father, Darren, endured significant health challenges throughout the pandemic and was taken to the hospital three times in 2020 as he fought against the deadly virus. Due to stringent coronavirus restrictions, Cher was unable to visit her dad or her family.

She shared at the time: "I'm sorry I've been quiet on here - I find it difficult to share my personal life at the best of times, but I feel I need to let you know what's going on. My dad has been seriously unwell and is in the hospital.

"This has been really difficult on us, and my head's all over the place. I wish I could see him, and I wish I could be with my family to support them, especially mum.

"We can't be with Dad, but I'm so grateful to the doctors and nurses for looking after him. This is such a scary time for everyone. I hope you are keeping safe."

Cher disclosed that waiting for her dad to recover had "been the hardest thing" about being in lockdown. She continued: "I haven't actually told anyone about that. I think that, like a lot of us Brits, I tend to keep stuff bottled up. Especially me, because I'm always thinking: 'oh I don't want people to think I'm not strong!'"