X Factor band G4 announce group member's death
X Factor finalists G4 have announced the death of former band member Ben Thapa, aged 42.
The group, who rose to fame in 2004 when they made it to the final of The X Factor's very first series on ITV, shared the sad news with a heartfelt tribute on their official Instagram page.
"It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our brother and great friend, Ben Thapa," they began. "Words cannot express how we all feel right now."
Related: BBC1’s new talent show from the X Factor team avoids past mistakes
The tribute continued: "We understand that this will be heartbreaking news for so many others too, and we send you our love and support as we all remember the amazing man and memories that he has left behind.
"Ben has been such a major part of the international singing community, and he was a critical part of our journey as a group. Thank you for your love at this difficult time. RIP Ben xxxx".
Thapa was one of the original members of G4, alongside Jonathan Ansell, Michael Christie and Matthew Stiff.
Mentored by Louis Walsh, the operatic group reached the X Factor's final in 2004, eventually coming in second place to series one champion Steve Brookstein.
Related: Paying tribute to the stars we've lost in 2024 – in memoriam
They released their debut album the following year after signing a deal with Sony, which reached number one in the UK charts.
G4's second album, G4 & Friends, released later that same year and featured collaborations with Lesley Garrett and Robin Gibb, while their third album, Act Three, debuted in 2006.
Shortly after the release of Act Three, G4 announced that they were disbanding. However, they reunited in 2014 to celebrate their 10-year anniversary, though Stiff was replaced by Nick Ashby after declining to return.
Thapa eventually announced his exit from the group in 2018 to focus on a solo opera career.
You Might Also Like
