Peter Andre flies back to native Australia after brother Andrew is diagnosed with stomach cancer

Last updated at 11:14 AM on 25th February 2012

Peter Andre's brother Andrew has been diagnosed with stomach cancer, aged just 52.

The former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! contestant has now flown back to his native Australia to support his older sibling.

On of their other brothers Michael also returned to Oz, thanking fans on Twitter for their 'kind words' as he revealed there was 'a long road ahead'.

Family tragedy: Peter Andre has flown back to Australia after learning brother Andrew has stomach cancer

He tweeted: 'Hi all. Got back ystrday evening from Australia. Just wanna say thank U all so much 4 yr kind words & get well's 4 my brother Andrew.

'It's been a very difficult time these last couple of weeks and will continue to be a long road ahead of treatments and therapy, so we all thank you.

'Hope you are all well this Friday morning and love to you all!!!! :-)'

Meanwhile, Insania singer Peter, 38, also abandoned work commitments and left the children with their mother Katie Price.

Family support: Andrew previously appeared in episodes of Andre's reality TV shows

A source told The Sun: 'Pete has been knocked for six by this. He found out last week that Andrew was ill and that it was actually really serious.

'He was in Africa but once he got back to England he flew straight out to Oz to be with his family... It's a real nightmare for everyone.'

Last night Pete said: 'At the moment I'm not sure when I'll be back as I want to stay here for as long as Andrew needs me.'

He credited the doctors with having 'acted quickly', revealing the next step was 'plans to operate' during the 'very tense time'.

Peter is the youngest of six, including siblings Danny, Chris and Debbie.

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