X Factor star Che Chesterman has paid tribute to his “amazing” dad who taught him everything he knew about music, and is the reason he started singing in the first place.

Che, who appeared on the ITV show in 2015, has dedicated his career to his father Che Chesterman Senior, who sadly died on Wednesday at 4.50pm, aged 45.

Che Senior, who worked as a groundsman in areas all over Basildon, loved nothing more than performing, and had released his own song a week before being admitted to Basildon Hospital.

Echo:

Loved - Che Chesterman Senior

Che Junior, from Laindon, said: “We were very close. He taught me everything I know about music and is the reason I got into it in the first place.

“He loved singing and football - he was a major Arsenal fan. That, his partner Nancie and his five kids Jorgie, me, Grant, Jamie and Mark, were his world.

“He was such a family man and loved to do gigging every now and then - singing and writing was what he knew.

"When I was on X Factor and got my songs through for the live shows he would always ring me up to give me advice, and we’d practice together all the time.

Echo:

Che Junior on X Factor

"We were both a bit sceptical at first where it’s TV, but he was always there standing by me the whole way.

“After I came off the show dad started getting gigs - before, nobody knew he did singing and so this is what I think he’ll be remembered for. That and the fact he was the dog man round Laindon, he was always out walking them!

“I dedicate my career to him, he is why I do what I do.”

Echo:

Father and son duo

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to support the family, in particular Che Senior’s youngest child, Jorgie.

Singer Che, 24, added: “It was quite sudden, the doctors believe he had a stroke a while back, but nobody knew it had even happened.”

The family rang for an ambulance after he began suffering chest pains. He was then admitted to Basildon Hospital, where he spent two weeks before having life support turned off on Wednesday. 

Che Junior added: “It has been very difficult and we’re all feeling a bit broken.

"Thank you everyone for your support- my little sister is only two and at some point she will realise what’s happened.

"We want the best life for her and for her to grow up knowing how amazing her dad was. We’re so grateful for anything at all.”

To donate, visit the Go Fund Me page