Cher Lloyd has announced the death of her father, Darren, following a health battle. The 32-year-old singer, who rose to fame on The X Factor in 2010, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, writing: '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.'
Alongside the statement, Lloyd posted a screenshot of a text message exchange with her father, in which she told him: 'I love you dad. More than you'll ever know.' He replied: 'I know you do. And I love you more and more each day see you tomorrow.'
Tributes have poured in from fellow celebrities and fans. Comedian Katherine Ryan commented: 'May your grief be gentle, Queen x,' while the duo All On The Board wrote: 'Sending you and your family so much love. May your dad rest in peace where nothing can hurt him anymore.' Fans also expressed their condolences, with one writing: 'I also lost my dad in 2024 so 2025 was the worst year for me in grief, the pain is unbearable.'
Darren had been seriously unwell during the coronavirus pandemic, being rushed to hospital three times in 2020. Due to strict lockdown restrictions, Lloyd was unable to visit him or support her family in person. At the time, she told fans: 'My dad has been seriously unwell and is in hospital. This has been really difficult on us and my head's all over the place.'
Lloyd previously described waiting for her father to recover as 'the hardest thing' about lockdown, adding that she tends to 'keep stuff bottled up' and doesn't want people to think she is not strong.
