Kelsey Parker hits back at cruel trolls after being attacked for moving on from husband Tom Parker three years after his death
Kelsey Parker has hit back at online trolls who have criticised her for moving on after the death of her husband, The Wanted star Tom Parker.
In her first joint television appearance with new partner Will Lindsay on ITV’s Lorraine, the 34-year-old addressed the backlash she’s faced as she prepares to welcome their first baby together.
Parker, who is already mum to Aurelia, 5, and Bodhi, 4, with her late husband, is due to give birth in June, with the couple announcing their romance last September after meeting by chance during a night out.
Parker has previously described her third pregnancy as a “happy accident”.
The performing arts school owner and podcaster revealed that they discovered she was expecting on October 21, the day after both Lindsay and Bodhi’s birthdays.
The couple appeared on the show as Parker approaches the three-year anniversary of Tom’s death from brain cancer to which she explained: “It’s been three years, this is Tom’s three-year anniversary of his death and it’s almost like people want me to feel guilty for moving on.”
She candidly shared her internal struggle with guilt whilst facing criticism online, and the impact of meeting Lindsay has had on her life and how trolls don’t “understand how she feels” because they are not in her shoes.
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“I’m always going to have guilt but what’s so hard is that Tom’s not here anymore so what do people want me to do?” she questioned during the emotional interview.
Parker turned to Lindsay in a raw moment and asked: “Does it stress you out that I get upset about trolls and people commenting on our relationship?”
“Not really, I just tell you not to look at them don’t I. There’s bound to be some people sending nice messages but block out the haters,” he replied before she added: “I’m always going to have guilt but what’s so hard is that Tom’s not here anymore so what do people want me to do?
“Our house was full of so much sadness but now it’s full of happiness, the kids deserve that more than anything.
“They’ve been through so much, I feel like we are taking the steps forward to heal but I just want other women to feel like it’s OK to move on, it’s not taking anything away from the love I had for Tom.”
The appearance was part of Lorraine’s March4March mental health initiative, which aims to support the one in four Britons who suffer with low mood.
Lindsay described meeting Parker as the “best thing that ever happened to me” and became emotional as he shared his feelings: “Straight away, it’s been amazing since I met you, I knew, I definitely wanted to spend more time with you.”
Parker even went on to tease marriage in the couple’s future after his comment during their Lorraine appearance and joked: “How much time? The rest of your life?”
She equally opened up about the impact Lindsay has had on her life since they met and said: “I do feel like you’re the best thing that’s happened to me since losing Tom. I do think Tom sent you to me, we kicked it off straight away.”
Parker previously revealed that The Wanted star’s family have been supportive of her new relationship and pregnancy and shared: “Tom’s mum Noreen gave me her blessing instantly. She can’t wait to have another grandchild.”
Noreen reportedly told Kelsey: “As long as you’re happy, Kels, whatever you do, we will always support you and be happy for you.”
The Glad You Came singer told fans in October 2020 that he had an inoperable brain tumour and later died in March 2022 at the age of 33, just four years after he and Parker tied the knot.
Following his death, Kelsey wrote on Instagram: “Our hearts are broken. Tom was the centre of our world.” (sic)