Louis Tomlinson has spoken about the heartbreak of losing his mother for the first time. Johannah Deakin passed away after a battle with leukemia on 7 December at the age of 41, and now her son has broken his silence on her tragic passing.
Speaking this week on SiriusXM Radio, Louis said: "It's not something that I feel 100 per cent comfortable talking too much about, but just quickly, when I first found out the news I kind of did want to throw the towel in.
© Photo: Getty ImagesLouis Tomlinson has spoken for the first time about the death of his mother
"But it was my mum who said to me that I've just got to keep going. She told me very sternly that she wanted me to."
Just a few days after his mum's death, Louis bravely appeared on The X Factor to sing his debut solo single, Just Hold On. Speaking about his decision to go ahead with the performance, he admitted: "It was tough. But I felt like it was nice to almost have a little send off for her."
The sad news of Johannah's death was announced on 9 December by her husband Dan Deakin. Last month, he shared a final message that the mum-of-seven had written to thank the millions of fans around the world who had helped change her son's life.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe star admitted he nearly 'threw in the towel' upon hearing the news
During his interview, Louis also opened up about his son Freddie, who will celebrate his first birthday this weekend. "I don't think it's changed my writing too much," the 25-year-old said of fatherhood. "It's not as if I am writing songs about my son. I mean, I love him, obviously, but yeah, it's affected how I am as a person, a little bit.
"I'd like to say it's made me a bit more mature. I don't know if that's actually true!"
