Louis Tomlinson's father 'battling liver cancer' 18 months after his mother died of leukaemia

Pop star Louis Tomlinson’s father is battling liver cancer 18 months after the singer’s mother died of leukaemia, according to reports.

Troy Austin, 49, had a tumour removed and is now praying that the operation saved his life, the Sun reported on Monday.

It comes after the star’s mother Johannah Deakin, 43, died of cancer in December 2016, days before Louis was to perform his debut solo song at the X Factor final.

His grandmother Tina, his father’s mother, died from a rare bone marrow cancer a few months later at the age of 67,

Mr Austin now faces his own battle with cancer after tests revealed the cancerous tumour on his liver, the Sun reported.

He told the newspaper: “The staff have been brilliant. The doctors are amazing and the nurses are hilarious, they really lift your spirits every day.

“The NHS might get criticised in some quarters but I have had a great service.

He added that he believes the tumour happened due to smoking and heavy drinking.

The Standard has approached representatives of Louis for comment.