Mollie King become visibly upset as she spoke about her late father Stephen on BBC Radio 1 on Wednesday.

The Saturdays singer, 36, suddenly lost her father in November 2023 - days after she welcomed daughter Annabella into the world with fiancé Stuart Broad - after he was diagnosed with a brain tumor just three months before he passed.

Marking over a year since his death, the radio host is taking part in a 500km Red Nose Day cycle for Comic Relief, in honour of her father.

Speaking about the upcoming challenge and why she chose to take part, Mollie told listeners: 'So, just over a year ago, I suddenly lost my dad and it came about really unexpectedly.

'He was diagnosed with a brain tumor and then passed away three months later. And It's still really hard to talk about and I don't talk about it a lot. 

'I hate talking about him in the past tense. But when I was asked to do this, I thought I have to do this. 

'I want to help people who are finding it hard, people who are struggling with things. And that is exactly what Comic Relief does. Comic Relief are amazing. They help people going through like really, really difficult times. 

'People who are homeless, people who are struggling with poverty and people who are struggling with bereavement amongst so many other things.'

Mollie will take the saddle for five exhausting days as she attempts to cycle from London, to Stephen's hometown of Hull, a place close to Mollie's heart.

The challenge kicks off on Monday March 11 during the Radio 1 Breakfast Show with Greg James. 

Mollie will be joined by her co-host Matt Edmondson, friends, and family as she departs from central London and begins her mammoth journey north.

The week ahead will see Mollie pedal through the streets of Towcester, Burton-upon-Trent, Manchester and Leeds as she battles both physically and mentally to reach the finish line.

For someone who has never ridden a bike on the road, it's certainly not going to be an easy ride.

Mollie's stamina, spirit and strength will be tested like never before as she tackles the unpredictable great British weather while navigating winding country roads, the twists and turns of the Peak District, and busy city centres.

On her journey, Mollie will pass through villages, towns and cities where Comic Relief funded projects are providing essential support to people who need it most.

Radio 1 will be getting behind Mollie throughout the week, offering lots of support and keeping her motivated with messages of encouragement from listeners.

She will also be joined along the route by special guests. Radio 1 listeners can also contribute to special surprises to help Mollie keep pushing on when it's getting tough and raise as much money as possible for Red Nose Day.

Following her father's death, Mollie revealed he had held on 'a few extra days' so he could meet his new granddaughter.

Confirming his passing in November, she wrote: 'Heartbroken beyond words. In August, my family's world was shattered when my Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumour. 

'Last week, we had to face the day we hoped would never come and say goodbye.

'Dad, we love you with all our hearts and we will miss you every single day. You have been our hero and it's impossible to think of our lives without you.

'You have always been there for us with every step we've taken and you even held on a few extra days to meet baby Annabella. You gave us your everything.

'You will be in our hearts and our memories every single day.'