One Direction fans rally around heartbroken Louis Tomlinson as Cheryl leads celeb tributes to singer's late mum

One Direction fans have rallied around Louis Tomlinson following news of his mother Johannah Deaking's death. On Friday #RIPJohannah started trending on Twitter after the family confirmed in a statement that she had died on 7 December after a long battle with leukaemia.

Her husband Dan Deakin said: "Earlier this year Johannah was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of leukaemia that required immediate and continuous treatment.

"We respectfully request that the family are given time and space to grieve in private."

Tomlinson was incredibly close to Deakin and recently shared a snap of the midwife on Instagram, along with the caption:"My mother looking gorgeous before the Brits earlier this year. I love you and miss you so much!"

Fans flocked to social media to offer their message of support, with some hailing him as "brave" for going ahead with his debut solo performance on the X Factor final in a bid to fulfill his mother's dying wish.

Former X Factor judge Cheryl – who is currently dating his bandmate Liam Payne led the celebrity tributes saying: "My heart breaks for you. I am so sorry. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones at this incredibly tragic time." Stars including Piers Morgan and Nathan Sykes also reached out to the 24-year-old.

Along with Tomlinson, Deakin is survived by six other children, Lottie, 18, Felicite, 16, twins Daisy and Phoebe, both 12, and twins Ernest and Doris, both two.