Love Island star Scott Thomas has bravely penned a heartbreaking tribute to his late father Dougie James.
The TV star shared snap of himself and Dougie who passed away aged 72.
Like sons Scott, Adam and Ryan, dad Dougie also enjoyed a career in the spotlight.
He found fame in the 1960s and 70s thanks to his soul music band Dougie James And The Soul Train.
Speaking out for the first time about his death, Scott, 32, said: “The word legend can sometimes be thrown around but when it comes to my Dad there was no question.
“He was the epitome of a star and you felt it every moment you were in his company.
Scott Thomas breaks silence after dad Dougie James’ tragic death (Image: scott.thomas/Instagram)
“My Dad’s life was one that he lived to the fullest and his stories would keep us entertained for hours.
“From touring with the Jackson 5 to warming up for James Brown my dad had done it all with the Soul Train.”
He counted: “People might think my Dad is well known because of us but he was a Manchester legend well before our time.
“I used to be so proud when strangers from all over would come up to me and say are you ‘Dougie Jame’s son?’ He knew everyone and touched so many lives.
“My dad just knew how to make people smile and he was genuinely the funniest man I’ve ever known.
“I can’t believe how truly lucky I was to have him living with me these last 6 months.
“We’ve made up for so much lost time and shared so many little special memories.
“I would just watch him from across the room watching his old black and white movies and just be in awe of him. From dancing around the kitchen to deep chats I just can’t tell you how lucky I feel to have had that time.”
The proud star went on to share a heartbreaking string of images and videos of his late father.
Explaining how his father recalled his time in the spotlight, Scott said: “My dad told me he had the best life and wouldn’t change a single thing.
Scott says he and his brothers will continue his father’s legacy (Image: scott.thomas/Instagram)
“This might sound sad but he said he was happy for his time to be up and just didn’t enjoy being old.
“So as heartbreaking as it is that he’s gone I know it’s what he wanted deep down. He was just very tired Saying that even that morning when I last saw him he was on top form as always cracking jokes with that amazing sick sense of humour of his. He always chose laughter over tears.”
Looking ahead to the future and keen to make his father proud, Scott went on to say he and his brothers will carry on his father’s legacy.
“He made me so proud to be a Thomas and even though he never really told us I know deep down he was so very proud of us,” he continued.
“One thing he never struggled to tell me was that he loved me. Every night before bed he would tell me that and every time I left the house.
“I am my Father’s son and I will remember nothing but the best of memories. He really was a King Rest in Paradise dad, I love you forever.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
