Mel B reveals her father Martin Brown has died aged 63 after five year battle with cancer

Mel B's father Martin Brown has passed away aged 63.

The TV personality took to Instagram to share the sad news on Sunday, revealing that Brown had died after a five-year battle with cancer.

Alongside a black and white photo of her and her sister holding her father's hands, Mel, 41, wrote: 'It is with great sadness after a 5yr battle to multiple myeloma cancer our loving father Martin Brown passed away age 63 peacefully yesterday.

Sad news: Mel B announced on Sunday that her father Martin Brown has passed away aged 63

'Both of us his children were by his side and would like to say thank you to St Gemma's and all the doctors and nurses for there amazing care and support over the years.

She added 'Please respect our privacy and let us as a united family grieve. With love and respect. Melanie and Danielle Brown x'

The former Spice Girl signed off the note with 'Be Free Dad'

The star's fans were quick to offer their condolences in the comments section.  

The TV star is pictured with her father Martin (right) and husband Stephen Belafonte in November 2007

Family rift: It appears Mel and her sister Danielle (pictured in 2004) but their differences aside to be by their father's side in hospital this week. Danielle shared the same black and white photo on her Instagram on Sunday 

One commenter wrote: 'Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.' while another user commented: 'So sorry for your loss. My mom has had multiple myeloma for two and a half years'

'Mel, I’m so sorry for your loss. I know what you are going through, my dad passed away 3 years ago in a rough battle agains cancer.' wrote another Instagram user.

Following the news, next week's scheduled filming of America's Got Talent has been canceled by producers TMZ reports.