N-DUBZ singer Tulisa’s father Plato Contostavlos has p@ssed away.
The keyboard player, who was known as Steve, was well loved within the music scene during the 1970s, as part of the blues band Mungo Jerry.
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Tulisa has been left heartbroken following the death of father Plato ContostavlosCredit: Barcroft Media
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She posted an emotional tribute on her Instagram page, sharing a childhood snapCredit: Instagram
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Plato Contostavlos was a big source of inspiration to N-Dubz and was in the band Mungo JerryCredit: Doug Seeburg – The Sun
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Tulisa with her bandmates – cousin Dappy and FazerCredit: Getty
Tulisa took to her Instagram page to post an emotional tribute.
She shared a childhood image showing her snuggling with her dad and the words: “Love you pops, rest in peace.
“Forever my father’s daughter.”
Heartbroken rapper Dappy, who was in N-Dubz with his cousin Tulisa, also shared the sad news as he posted a video of himself with his uncle, alongside a white dove.
I’m A Celeb star Tulisa commented on the post with a broken heart emoji and Dappy replied: “I’m so sorry T.”
Speaking last year about her father, she said on Paul Brunson’s podcast We Need To Talk: “Me and my dad’s relationship has not been a conventional one.
“I would say me and my dad now we’re just more friends that kind of have an understanding of one another.”
Plato’s band Mungo Jerry gained massive success after landing the Number 1 hit In The Summertime in 1970.
Other hits from the band include Lady Rose and Alright, Alright, Alright.
Plato played the keyboard alongside his brother Byron – who is Tulisa’s uncle and Dappy’s father – who was on bass guitar.
N-Dubz star Dappy posts video with Tulisa’s dad – his uncle Plato
Tragically Byron di3d in the early days of N-Dubz in 2007.
The pair were reportedly in the band during its early days.
Speaking about her dad’s influence on her career, Tulisa said: “My dad had a little studio in Dollis Hill and he used to bring me there sometimes when he was working.
“He put me on the mic at the age of five. I was singing Little Mermaid.
“I just knew there was nothing else I felt p@ssionate about.”
The star has told in the past how her dad left her mum, Anne Byrne, when she was nine years old.
Tulisa became her mum’s primary carer at the tender age of 11.
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Dappy shared a video of himself fishing with his uncle Steve
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Tulisa with her dad at Christmas one yearCredit: MrPaparazzi.com
Anne was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in 2007, a combination of bipolar and schizophrenia.
When Plato left home Tulisa started staying at her aunt’s house more often.
She said in the past: “My dad left home and it triggered one of her episodes.
“One minute she’d look all mournful as if someone had di3d, the next she’d be angry and aggressive, smashing cupboards and shouting.
“Inevitably, she went into hospital again and I stayed with my mum’s older sister, Louise.”
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The singer is being supported by her cousin DappyCredit: Getty
