Aston Merrygold has paid tribute to an “original JLS member” who died on Monday aged 35.
The 35-year-old JLS band member shared a touching, heartfelt message on Instagram after her backup dancer Jack Pointer Mackenzie tragically passed away.
The talented dancer toured with the pop group throughout their career from 2009 to 2021 after rising to fame on the show “X Factor.”
Aston, who recently announced that he and his wife Sarah Louise are expecting a third child, wrote: ‘RIP Captain. ‘Original JLS team member!’
Bandmates Marvin Humes, Ortise Williams and JB Gill also paid their respects on social media.
Tragic: Aston Merrygold, 35, has paid tribute to an “original JLS member” who died on Monday aged 35
Sad news: The JLS band member (left) shared a touching, heartfelt message on Instagram after her backup dancer Jack Pointer Mackenzie tragically passed away
Awful: The talented dancer (pictured) toured with the pop group throughout their career from 2009 to 2021 after finding fame on X Factor
The father of two also shared a throwback video of Jack dancing on stage with the band.
He wrote: “Captain Jack always has the vibes of 2009 and beyond!!”
“A phenomenal team member!”
Jack has worked with a number of A-listers throughout his career, including Justin Bieber, Camila Cabello and Hozier.
This comes after Aston, who already has two sons Grayson, five, and Macaulay, three, with Sarah, announced she was pregnant last week.
The singer took to social media to share a sweet video montage of Grayson and Macaulay finding out they’re about to become brothers, while also showing off their scan and positive pregnancy test.
A sweet clip then showed the boys kissing in a ultrasound picture and then celebrating the happy news with their mother and father, who got married in September last year.
Hilariously, the news comes a year after Aston insisted he couldn’t cope with more than two children and ruled out having more – despite calling fatherhood “the best job ever” and declaring he was a father give him “a new meaning in life”.
He said: ‘[Being a dad is the] Best thing ever. Best job ever. It gives me reason to get up.’ However, when asked if he wanted to have more children, he replied: “No.” I can’t chase after three. Two is good for me.’
Tribute: The father of two also shared a throwback video of Jack dancing on stage with the band
Yay! Aston and his wife Sarah Louise announced last week that they are expecting their third child
Sweet: The JLS star and Sarah Louise already share their two sons Grayson, five, and Macaulay, three.
Aston spoke further about his children earlier this year when he revealed why he would warn his young children against signing up to a TV talent show like The X Factor.
The JLS star told Web that if his sons followed in his footsteps and pursued a music career he would highlight the pros and cons, including the public’s judgment, which he described as “difficult to please”.
After finding fame on Simon Cowell’s show at the age of 18, Aston said he faced criticism over his looks and even the way he spoke.
Aston said he would teach his children about the downsides of fame and the public’s often harsh criticism, saying: “The hardest thing is to please the public because it’s a stubborn business.”
“That’s why our guys, if they ever come to us and say they want to do a show like this, they have to understand that not everyone has something good to say or that they like what they do or the way they look or talk, and As long as he does.” If you are okay with people having an opinion, then they will be strong enough and confident.
“If you don’t work hard, then it’s a disadvantage for you.” You come into the industry and someone saw your talent and thought, “I’ll give them a chance.” And then you have to work hard for your team and Deliver performances and rehearsals.
“I was 18 when we started the experience, and the fact that Marvin had already come through the industry with the band he was previously a member of, DS, and he was the oldest… Marvin sat down with me and was a shoulder to cry on… followed by “It was nice that he took care of me.”