'greatest sadness'
The Overtones singer Timmy Matley dead aged 36 after brave skin cancer battle
Timmy had been battling skin cancer after being diagnosed in 2016 but the circumstances surrounding his death are still unclear
THE Overtones singer Timmy Matley has died aged 36.
Fans have been paying tribute to the musician since his "heartbroken" bandmates announced his death on social media today.
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Timmy had been battling skin cancer after he was diagnosed with stage three malignant melanoma in 2016.
The circumstances of his death are still unclear, but his agent confirmed he died "suddenly" in London on Monday.
Members Mark Franks, Mike Crawshaw, Darren Everest and Lachie Chapman wrote on Twitter: "It is with the greatest sadness that we have to announce that our dear friend and brother Timmy has passed away.
"We know this news will be as heartbreaking for you all as it is for us.
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"We appreciate your love and support at this difficult time."
Shocked fans have today been paying tribute to the singer - including a host of celebrities.
Phillip Schofield tweeted: "I’m so terribly sorry to hear this and sending lots of love to you all and particularly Timmy’s family and his many friends."
Offering his support, Rylan Clark-Neal added: "This is so very sad!!! What an amazing voice! Such a loss!!! Here for you guys x anything you need xx."
While Scarlett Moffatt tweeted: "Such sad news. Sending all my love to you all, friends and family xx."
Presenter Matt Johnson, who worked with Timmy, said: "It’s beyond sad to hear about the death of Timmy Matley. He was an absolute joy to work with over the years.
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"His huge personality and undeniable talent will be massively missed. Sending all my love to his family, all of the @the_overtones lads and their fans too.
Another fan said: "Stunned and shocked to hear that Timmy Matley from @the_overtones has passed away. Had the pleasure of meeting him and the rest of the band back in 2012 when they played in Aberdeen. Rest in peace x"
Another added: "So sorry to hear of the passing of corkman Timmy Matley of @the_overtones! A gentleman and incredible talent. Sympathies to Timmy's family, friends and bandmates."
A third said: "So shocked and saddened to hear that Timmy Matley of The Overtones has passed away. I don’t believe in heaven but if there is a better place it’s gained the voice of another angel. It’s true what they say - only the good die young."
Timmy joined The Overtones, originally called DYYCE and Lexi Joe, in 2010.
He auditioned for The X Factor in 2009 as part of Lexi Joe with Mark, Mike and Darren, but they missed out on making the final 24.
Afterwards they met Latchie and rebranded as a five-man band called The Overtones.
They then went on to achieve four top-ten albums in the UK and their debut, Good Ol' Fashioned Love, reached number four in the charts.
In 2016 the group toured with stage show That's Entertainment and then A Christmas Tour later that year, but Timmy was forced to pull out after his skin cancer diagnosis.
But he had returned to performing with the group and had been looking forward to their summer tour in July, with their first gig at Barnstaple Queens Theatre.
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He had been due to do a 15,000ft skydive to raise money for The Royal Marsden in London on May 3.
It was the hospital where he received his cancer treatment and he had raised more than £5,000 for them already.
Timmy was also due to perform at City Hall on June 12 for a charity concert to raise funds for Down's Syndrome.
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In a statement, the singer's agent told the : "Singer Timmy Matley died suddenly in London on April 9 2018.
"The Overtones singer, from Cork, Ireland, was 36 years old and lived in London. No further details are currently available.
"Family and friends are devastated at the news and have requested privacy at this very difficult time."
The Overtones perform on Channel 5's Jane McDonald & Friends weeks before Tim Matley's death
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