Ryan Thomas and his dad Dougie James
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Dougie James: Ryan Thomas pays heartbreaking tribute to his dad following his death

Ryan said his dad is the reason he's "proud" to be a Thomas

The son of Dougie James, Ryan Thomas, has paid tribute to him following his death.

Last month, it was confirmed that Mancs In Mumbai star and soul singer Dougie had died at the age of 72.

Now, former Coronation Street actor Ryan shared a touching message to Instagram in honour of his dad and to thank “every single person for coming out to the Chapel on Friday”.

Mancs in Mumbai
Ryan Thomas paid tribute to dad Dougie James (Credit: ITV)

What did Ryan Thomas say about his dad Dougie James?

Ryan shared a photo of himself and Dougie from when he was a kid.

Read more: Dougie James: Ryan Thomas’ dad and Mancs In Mumbai star dies aged 72

He wrote: “You are the reason I’m proud to be a Thomas.

“Since being a young child I’ve always been in awe of you.

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A post shared by Ryan Thomas (@ryanthomas84)

“Growing up watching you on the stage to people stopping me in the street saying ‘are you Dougie James’s son?’ is something I love more than you will ever know.

“Last year feels more special now because me & my brothers got the chance to show you off to the nation we will never forget that.”

He continued: “Just wanted to take this time to thank every single person for coming out to the Chapel on Friday.

“One of the hardest days of my life but it’s times like this you realise how important your friends and family are.

“We were overwhelmed with the amount of people who turned up to show their respect he really was loved in Manchester.

Dougie James death Mancs in Mumbai
Dougie Thomas died at the age of 72 (Credit: ITV)

Ryan thanks fans for their messages of support

“There were moments at the chapel I’d feel myself looking at all the people with a big smile on face thinking ‘that’s my dad!!!!’

“So glad I got to show you off one last time.”

One of the hardest days of my life but it’s times like this you realise how important your friends and family are.

Concluding his message, Ryan said: “I’ve not had chance to reply to everyone’s messages.

“But I want you to know your love & support has really helped me get through this extremely tough time thank you.

“Dad you always said to me buying you a van was the best gift I ever gave you.

Mancs In Mumbai
Dougie was dad to Adam, Scott and Ryan (Credit: ITV)

“I want you to know the best gift you ever gave me was my brothers. I couldn’t have done this without you both love you boys @adamthomas21 @scott.thomas.

Read more: Fans support the Thomas brothers as Scott breaks his silence on dad Dougie’s death

“Shine bright wherever you are. We love you dad.”

Poster

Meanwhile, Dougie’s son Scott Thomas recently paid tribute to him on social media.

The former Love Island star hailed his dad as a “Manchester legend” and revealed his “legacy will live on”.

In addition, Adam Thomas called his dad Dougie his “sunshine on a cloudy day”.

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Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)