One Direction star Louis Tomlinson is in mourning following the death of his mother, Johannah Deakin, after a short battle with leukaemia at the age of 42.

“It is with immeasurable sadness that Johannah Deakin’s family said goodbye to Johannah in the early hours of Wednesday 7th December 2016,” a statement read the following day.

“Earlier this year Johannah was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukaemia that required immediate and continuous treatment. We respectfully request that the family are given time and space to grieve in private.”

Louis TomlinsonLouis Tomlinson's mother, Johannah Deakin, has passed away after a battle with leukaemia

The sad announcement was made just a few days before Tomlinson, 24, was due to launch his new solo career on the final of ‘The X Factor’ this weekend, performing a dancefloor hit called ‘Just Hold On’, written in collaboration with DJ Steve Aoki.

It’s not clear whether the performance will now be toned down, but The Sun has reported that there will be a tribute to Johannah on the show, which launched One Direction to global fame.

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Johannah’s husband, Dan Deakin, said in another statement: “Johannah was first and foremost a truly amazing mother to seven children – Louis (24), Lottie (18), Félicité (16), and two sets of twins, Phoebe and Daisy (12) and Ernest and Doris (2) - whose individual talents and success are testament to the principles and beliefs she instilled in them.

“She was also an incredibly proud grandmother to Freddie,” he added, referring to Louis’ 11 month old son he shares with his ex-girlfriend Brianna Jungwirth.

“Incredibly selfless, she would always look to put other people before herself. She desired nothing more than for everyone around her to be happy and loving. She worked tirelessly on numerous charity campaigns, creating memories for many individuals and their families.”

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