Louise Redknapp rushed to support her friend Sophie Ellis-Bexter, in her hour of need as after the singer broke the news to her social media platforms on Thursday that her beloved step-dad John Leach, has died. The songstress didn’t confirm cause of death, but her mother, presenter and actress Janet Ellis, had previously revealed on Lorraine that he had been battling cancer.
She went on to say that his treatment had been “suspended” due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Sophie announced his death was “expected” but “cruel”.
Louise was keen to send her love to her pal and her family at this tough time, commenting on her Instagram post: “Thinking of you and so lovely to see you big kisses to you and all your family.”
Among others, The Walking Dead actress Eleanor Matsuura also replied: “Enormous love to you and the family Soph.”
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Sophie left fans shocked with the news, after sharing a sweet photo of him on her Instagram page with a lengthy caption in his memory.
“This is my step-dad, John. He’s been a big part of my life since I was small,” she wrote.
“I can’t believe it’s true but he died last week. It wasn’t unexpected but it was cruel.”
She noted that the love between John and her mum is still “all around our family and that stays on forever” and reveals she wrote her hit Young Blood about their “inspirational” marriage.
Sophie continued: “I feel so lucky to have been brought up around that and to have been raised by him, too. He was honestly the loveliest person.
“Kind, good, funny, smart, subtle, solid and clear.
“It’ll always be sad that he isn’t here but I’m thankful for all he’s done for us and for so, so many happy memories.”
She concluded her loving tribute by saying: “Love is the most mighty thing of all and it outlives everything.”
Singer Louise shared her heartbreak over more sad news earlier this month, after hearing that popular Manchester music venues would be closing, amid the coronavirus crisis.
She reposted on Twitter, a post from a news company up north, which announced the closure of two venues in the city.
The original post read: “BREAKING: Manchester’s Deaf Institute and Gorlla music venues are closing.”
The Undivided Love hitmaker shared the post with her 136,800 followers and told fans she was “so sad” to read the news.
She tweeted: “So sad. Gorilla such a great venue!”
Fans were quick to agree, with one reminiscing: “I saw you there!” while sharing a picture of Louise performing at the venue.
“Look how happy you look! That’s sad it’s now closing,” the fan went on to say.
“I saw you there too,” another user said, before adding: “Really is a great venue, I hope someone takes it over soon.”