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Liam Payne death latest: Simon Cowell breaks silence to say he’s ‘heartbroken’ after Niall Horan paid tribute

Singer died aged 31 after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, sparking tributes from his One Direction bandmates, Sheeran, Robbie Williams, and his ‘heartbroken’ family

Roisin O'Connor,Kevin E G Perry
Friday 18 October 2024 18:44 BST
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One Direction singer Liam Payne dies aged 31

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Liam Payne’s former One Direction bandmates have said they are “devastated” over the singer’s sudden death, aged 31, after he fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.

Payne, who shot to fame after joining the pop group on reality TV contest The X Factor in 2010 along with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson, was described as a “kind, funny and brave soul” in a tribute from his surviving bandmates.

Ed Sheeran, who collaborated with Payne on a number of occasions, also shared a brief tribute on Instagram as he admitted he was “at a loss for words” and asked his followers to “be kind”.

Payne’s cause of death was revealed in a preliminary autopsy on Thursday 17 October. Photos taken by officials of his hotel room showed it in a state of disarray, with a smashed TV screen and debris scattered around the surfaces.

Sellers cashing in on Liam Payne’s death with tacky memorabilia

Online sellers have been quick to create merchandise cashing in on Liam Payne’s death.

From t-shirts that pay tribute to the singer to more unexpected items like memorial Christmas decorations and compact mirrors, a wealth of merchandise has been listed over the past 48 hours.

Here’s the full story:

Sellers cashing in on Liam Payne’s death with tacky memorabilia

Exclusive: Sellers have created merchandise ranging from Liam Payne candles to compact ‘memorial mirrors’

Kevin Perry18 October 2024 18:42

Simon Cowell says he’s ‘heartbroken’ by news of Payne’s death

Simon Cowell, who signed One Direction to his label after they finished third on his show The X Factor, has said he is “heartbroken” over the death of Liam Payne.

Simon Cowell with Harry Styles and Liam Payne in 2013
Simon Cowell with Harry Styles and Liam Payne in 2013 (Getty)

On Instagram, Cowell wrote: “You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens.

“Liam, I am truly devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.

“This is so difficult to put in words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together. I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.

“I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn’t your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again. A lot of people would have given up. You didn’t. You came back and within months the whole world knew Liam. And you never forgot the fans. I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared.

“You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we reminisced about all of the fun times we had together. And how proud you were to be a Dad. After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I had met all of those years ago.

“I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eyes you have. And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it.

“I always thought of the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And reading their messages today I believe you were,

“And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon.

“Rest in peace my friend.

“And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family.

“Simon X”

Kevin Perry18 October 2024 18:23

VIDEO: Distraught fans pay tribute to Liam Payne at London phone booth used on One Direction album cover

Distraught fans pay tribute to Liam Payne at phone booth used on One Direction album

Distraught fans from across the world have paid tribute to singer Liam Payne at the iconic London phone booth used on a One Direction album cover. The musician passed away after falling from a hotel balcony in the Palermo neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday, 16 October, police said. Today (17 October), fans of the 31-year-old left flowers and messages of condolences at the phone booth, featured on the cover of One Direction’s 2012 album Take Me Home. The phone booth is located at the Hard Rock café in Piccadilly Circus.

Roisin O'Connor18 October 2024 18:00

First my friend Caroline Flack, now Liam Payne – how many more?

As the columnist ‘Mr Showbiz’ when reality TV was at its peak, Dean Piper witnessed first hand how shows like The X Factor chewed up and spat out young talent.

As Sharon Osbourne asks where the industry was when tragic stars like Liam Payne needed it, he can answer that question more honestly than most…

First my friend Caroline Flack, now Liam Payne – how many more?

As the columnist ‘Mr Showbiz’ when reality TV was at its peak, Dean Piper witnessed first hand how shows like The X-factor chewed up and spat out young talent. As Sharon Osbourne asks where the industry was when tragic stars like Liam Payne needed it, he can answer that question more honestly than most…

Kevin Perry18 October 2024 17:33

Comment: Liam Payne drew the short straw in One Direction – now we’ll never know the real him

Both in the band and out of it, the pop star struggled to find his defining identity, writes Mark Beaumont. Attempts at telling the world who he is with a second solo album and a documentary fell on deaf ears. His life now cut tragically short, the singer may remain elusive forever.

Liam Payne drew the short straw in One Direction – now we’ll never know the real him

Both in the band and out of it, the pop star struggled to find his defining identity, writes Mark Beaumont. Attempts at telling the world who he is with a second solo album and a documentary fell on deaf ears. His life now cut tragically short, the singer may remain elusive forever

Roisin O'Connor18 October 2024 17:21

Liam Payne compared to Elvis Presley by mourning hometown residents

Liam Payne compared to Elvis Presley by mourning hometown residents
Roisin O'Connor18 October 2024 17:01

Liam Payne and Cheryl Cole’s relationship: Timeline from X Factor meeting to coparenting son Bear

Liam Payne has died aged 31, after falling from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The One Direction singer was in a relationship with influencer Kate Cassidy at the time of his death, while ex-fiancée Maya Henry had issued a cease and desist last week alleging that the musician continued to contact her.

Prior to meeting Cassidy in October 2022, and Henry in 2019, Liam was in a relationship with former X Factor judge Cheryl Cole.

The pair share one seven-year-old son together, Bear.

We break down the timeline of the couple’s unconventional meeting and subsequent relationship below.

Liam Payne and Cheryl Cole’s relationship: From X Factor meeting to coparenting

Couple first met on the ‘X Factor’ in 2008 and share a seven-year-old son together

Roisin O'Connor18 October 2024 16:41

Liam Payne’s X Factor co-star hits out at Simon Cowell amid reports singer was recently dropped by label

Former X Factor contestant Katie Waissel, who appeared in the same series as Liam Payne and his One Direction bandmates, has hit out at show creator Simon Cowell following the singer’s death.

“This industry has treated talent like commodities, and the negligence of duty of care has once again led to a heart-wrenching loss,” writes Waissel.

It has also been reported that Payne was dropped by his record label in the months before his death, after a disappointing reception to his single, “Teardrops”.

Read the full story here:

Liam Payne’s X Factor co-star hits out at Simon Cowell

One Direction star and solo singer, who has died aged 31, was reportedly dealt a blow by his label after the release of his last single, ‘Teardrops’

Kevin Perry18 October 2024 16:19

Zayn Malik admits he and Liam Payne ‘butted heads’ in emotional tribute to late One Direction bandmate

“Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f***s about telling people when they were wrong. Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it.”

Zayn Malik admits he and Liam Payne ‘butted heads’ in emotional tribute to bandmate

‘I always secretly respected you for it,’ wrote Malik in his heatfelt message

Roisin O'Connor18 October 2024 16:01

Liam Payne’s ex speaks out after his death in Buenos Aires hotel

Liam Payne’s ex-girlfriend Aliana Mawla has spoken out following the One Direction singer’s death aged 31.

The social media personality, who reportedly dated Payne after his breakup with ex-fiancée Maya Henry, took to her Instagram Story on Thursday (October 17), where she paid tribute to the pop star after he died Wednesday evening after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Mawla shared a photo that appeared to show Payne at a concert, writing over the image: “I’m sorry this happened to you… will forever love and miss you.”

In another Instagram Story post, the “Strip That Down” singer’s hand appeared to be interlocked in Mawla’s, showing off his “L” and “P” tattoos on each of his hands, as her thumb was placed in between.

Full story:

Liam Payne’s ex speaks out after his death in Buenos Aires hotel

Payne was previously spotted with Mawla in May 2022 following his split from ex-fiancée Maya Henry

Meredith Clark18 October 2024 15:51

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