Mollie King 'heartbroken beyond words' by father's death just days after she gave birth

The Saturdays singer Molly King has revealed that her father died just days after she gave birth to her baby daughter last week.

The 35-year-old told fans the sad news in an Instagram post, saying her father “held on a few days” to meet his granddaughter.

King and her partner, cricketer Stuart Broad, named their first child Annabella, announcing her birth on Thursday 24 November.

The singer then took to Instagram just days later to confirm that her father, Stephen King, had passed away.

In a post, sharing a series of family photos, she wrote: “Heartbroken beyond words. In August my family’s world was shattered when my Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

“Last week, we had to face the day we hoped would never come and say goodbye. Dad, we love you with all our hearts and we will miss you every single day.

“You have been our hero and it’s impossible to think of out lives without you. You have always been there for us with every step we’ve taken and you even held on a few extra days to meet baby Annabella.

“You gave us your everything. You will be in our hearts and our memories every single day.”

Fellow ex-members of the Saturdays including Frankie Bridge and Una Healy took to the social media platform to show support for their former bandmate, with the latter saying: “I’m so sorry for your loss, he was such an amazing Dad and person.

“Love you so much. May he RIP.”

BBC Radio 1 host Jordan North wrote: “Oh Mollie. I am so sorry to hear this news. Thinking of you and sending all my love to you, and all your family.”

Other stars including Laura Whitmore, Clara Amfo and Emily Atack took to Instagram to leave messages of condolences.