'My dad was my biggest cheerleader': Tom Daley, 22, admits he finds his father's death tough as wedding to Dustin Lance Black, 42, approaches

By Kate Thomas for MailOnline

Published: 10:02 EST, 13 January 2017 | Updated: 19:40 EST, 13 January 2017

He's planning to walk down the aisle with his fiancé Dustin Lance Black soon.

And Tom Daley has revealed he wishes his father had been there to see the most important moments in his life like his Olympics glory and his wedding day.

The 22-year-old diving champion spoke candidly during an appearance on Friday's installment of Loose Women, revealing emotions were 'running high' as the big day approached.

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Wedding bells: Tom Daley spoke candidly during an appearance on Friday's installment of Loose Women, revealing emotions were 'running high' as his wedding to Dustin Lance Black approaches

Tom's father Rob was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2006 passed away after a five-year battle with cancer in 2011.

The sports star confessed: 'He didn't tell me how ill he was. I understand why he was trying to protect me.'

Brave Tom recalled visiting his father in hospital aged just 12 after he'd had a 'grapefruit-sized' tumour removed - and not fully understanding the extent of his illness.

Upcoming nuptials: Discussing his romance with Oscar-winning director Lance, 42, Tom said it was 'love at first sight'

He admitted that with his wedding approaching, he was reminiscing about the important moments his dad had missed, like his London 2012 medal win.

Discussing his romance with Oscar-winning director Lance, 42, Tom said it was 'love at first sight'.

He believes the fact they're both so focused on their careers makes their relationship work.

Sad loss: Tom's father Rob was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2006 passed away after a five-year battle with cancer in 2011

Admitting he was 'very excited' for his big day, Tom revealed he had proposed to Lance in their spare room, wearing just his underwear.

Tom's fiancé is an American screenwriter, director, film and television producer and LGBT rights activist, who shot to fame after scooping an Academy Award for the 2008 film Milk.

Tom came out in December 2013 when he broadcast an impassioned message to his fans explaining that he had begun a relationship with another man.

In the hot seat: Andrea McLean, Nadia Sawalha, Linda Robson and Kaye Adams quizzed Tom during the show on Friday 

Match made in heaven: Tom believes the fact they're both so focused on their careers makes their relationship work

Down-to-earth: Tom's TV interview went down a storm with fans on Twitter, who branded him lovely and genuine 

The athlete previously said his mother was particularly supportive and that before his death, his father always reminded him, 'As long as you are happy, I'm happy.'

Tom's father Rob gave up his electrician's business in 2006 so he could accompany him to all of his sporting events.

Olympian Tom dedicated his sensational double gold medal win at 2010's Commonwealth games to his sick father following Rob's 2006 brain tumour diagnosis.

Rob admitted to clinging to the hope that he would live to see Tom compete at London's 2012 Olympics, at which the star later triumphed for Great Britain with a bronze.

Tough: He admitted that with his wedding approaching, he was reminiscing about the important moments his dad had missed, like his London 2012 medal win

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