JLS star Aston Merrygold pays tribute as ‘original member’ dies aged 35

JLS star Aston Merrygold has paid a heartfelt to tribute to the band's 'original member' who has sadly passed away at just 35 years old.

The pop band, who first shot to fame back in 2008 on The X Factor, has suffered a massive loss following the death of Jack Pointer-Mackenzie who toured with the group for over a decade between 2009 all the way up to 2021.

Merrygold, who is also the director and owner of BASE Dance Studios, has since taken to social media to share a touching message to the late performer, who had worked alongside JLS since 'day one'.

Have a look:

Merrygold uploaded a series of posts for Pointer-Mackenzie, who was a talented dancer, to his Instagram Story, writing: "RIP captain," alongside a prayer hand and raised hand emojis.

The father-of-three added: "Original JLS member."

He penned the words next to reposted a picture uploaded by BASE Dance Studios with the caption: "A unique gift, who shall be sorely missed. Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

"Jack Nathaniel Pointer-Mackenzie."

Merrygold - whose three bandmates include Marvin Humes, Oritsé Williams and JB Gill - also shared a video of Pointer-Mackenzie's talent dancing on stage alongside the lads.

"Captain Jack always with the vibe from 2009 and beyond!!" the overlay text read over the clip. "A phenomenal team member!"

The 'Beat Again' singer also reposted a story uploaded by Dax O'Callaghan, owner of BASE Dance Studios, which said the professional dancer - who worked with stars including the likes of Camila Cabello, Justin Bieber and Hozier throughout his career - will be 'sorely missed'.

Many friends and fans of Pointer-Mackenzie have since flooded into the comments section of the BASE Instagram post to share their words of condolences.

"Not Jack," wrote one. "Hadn't seen him in years but what a sweet soul and infectious spirit he had. Can't believe it. Rest easy my man."

A second offered: "A beautiful dancer, teacher and human."

Another called his passing a 'huge loss for the community', before adding: "Love to his closest, and dearest. Fly high Jack."

A fourth dubbed the dancer 'the most genuine, loveliest and talented person'.

"No words, so talented and a genuinely lovely human," echoed a fifth.

"RIP Jack," commented a final Instagram user. "Heart goes out to your friends and family. Nothing beats a day one dancer."

It has not yet been confirmed how Pointer-Mackenzie passed away.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.