Tom Fletcher reveals his childhood friend Neil has sadly passed away

Tom Fletcher has revealed his childhood friend Neil passed away on Sunday morning.

In a tribute posted to Instagram, the McFly singer, 34, shared an image of a tree near his home, after spending most of his time with his late pal ‘climbing branches’.

The musician reflected on their friendship and confessed he’s finding the grieving process ‘tough’ as he believed he’d be able to see him again once the coronavirus lockdown had completely lifted.

Tom, who did not reveal the cause of Neil’s death, wrote: ‘Today has been a difficult, sad day. My closest friend through my teenage years passed away this morning.’

The media personality blamed himself for the pair not maintaining frequent contact, but insisted they were ‘always there for each other’.

The guitarist explained: ‘We met when we were around 13 and were instantly like brothers. 

‘We drifted apart over the years which was totally my fault and I was utterly rubbish at being a friend although deep down I think and hope we both knew that we would always be there for each other. 

‘We knew this day was coming just not that it would be this soon and I thought I would get to see him again so today has been tough. My heart is with his family tonight.’

Tom shared the message behind the meaningful picture as he ended his post: ‘He wasn’t really on social media so I’m not sure he would have wanted me to post a photo of him.

‘But since we spent most of our time in the park climbing trees, challenging each other to see who could climb to the top, I’m looking up at this one thinking that you climbed higher today, Neil. Rest now my friend. X.’ (sic)

The 5 Colours in Her Hair hitmaker has been spending lockdown with his wife of eight years, blogger Giovanna Fletcher, and their three children; Buzz, six, Buddy, four, and Max, 22 months.

Tom and Giovanna were high school sweethearts and met when they were just 13 at the Sylvia Young Theatre School.

The McFly song All About You was famously penned about their love story – and the loved-up belter even proposed to her at the same spot they used to sit next to each other in assembly.