18-year-old Ryan Howell, who took part in the much-loved talent show in 2012, was diagnosed with bone cancer in May 2014 and tragically lost his battle with the disease this week.
Ryan, who came third in the television programme as part of male choir Only Boys Aloud, is understood to have collapsed in his family home before dying in his mother's arms.
Paying tribute to their former member who bravely fought Ewing Sarcoma for over a year of his life, Only Boys Aloud took to Twitter yesterday to express their deep regret at the teenager's passing.
Retweeting an article by Wales Online, the choir, who dedicated a recent performance to the talented singer, wrote: "We were deeply saddened to hear the news about Ryan. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family."
Devastated by his death, Ryan's mother, Donna, praised her son for his sunny disposition and endless positivity, saying: "He liked to make people laugh. That was his goal. He had an infectious smile. He would put a smile on your face. He was the best son I could have ever had."
Our thoughts are with Donna and Ryan's family and friends at this devastating time.
