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Former X Factor hopeful Emma Chawner has revealed the heartbreaking news that her father has passed away, less than a year after her mother's death.
Emma, now 35, first graced our screens on the ITV talent show in 2007. Despite her audition failing to win over the judges, her family fiercely defended her performance.
She returned to the stage with her sister Samantha Chawner in 2008, but again left without success.
The Chawner clan, including late parents Audrey and Philip, continued their television journey with appearances on the Jeremy Kyle Show and various weight loss programmes. Emma recently took to Instagram to announce the sad news of her father's passing at age 69, following her mother's death earlier this year at 73.
Sharing a picture of her father, she wrote: "I can't believe I am saying this but my dad sadly passed away this morning," reports the Mirror.
In an emotional tribute, she added: "Going to miss him so much. I don't know I'm going to do."
Her post was met with an outpouring of sympathy from her followers, including TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, who has worked with the Chawner family over the years. Lorraine expressed her condolences, writing: "So sorry for your loss Emma."
Other comments included messages of support such as: "Am so sorry. Thinking of you. Bigs hugs," and "Sorry to hear [this]. Sending my love."
Another follower shared their condolences, writing: "Sending my condolences."
Last month, Emma candidly confided with her followers about the health of her father post the tragic loss of her mother Audrey. She penned on a November 9 post: "I don't really want to post this but please everyone keep your prayers in for my dad. He hasn't been well since my mum passed and I visited him today. He didn't know who I was. Deep down it really upset me."
Emma had earlier announced her mothers passing in January with a heartfelt message alongside a picture saying: "RIP my beautiful, amazing mum."
In the caption, she disclosed: "I'm just letting you all know my mum passed away peacefully in her sleep at 4am this morning."
Tragedy struck again the next day when her beloved dog Ruby also died. Mourning her pet, she revealed: "Just letting everyone [know] that Ruby has just passed away at 11am this morning. Going to miss her so much. What else can go wrong for me?"
Emma has continued to pay tribute to Audrey, including on Mothers Day in March which she found particularly difficult. Posting an image of a rose and butterflies, she shared: "This is one hard day for me."
