X Factor stars lead tributes for Liam Payne after shock death aged 31
Former X Factor stars have sent condolences to the family of Liam Payne after his sudden death at age 31.
The One Direction icon fell from a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday night, state police have confirmed.
He had recently been in Argentina to attend the concert of former bandmate Niall Horan, posting pictures together backstage and interacting with fans.
First to send their well wishes were fellow X Factor contestants Jedward, who wrote on X: ‘RIP Liam Payne 💔 condolences to friends and family’.’
The duo followed up with ‘Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear and all the One Direction family. RIP.’
Payne has a seven-year-old son, named Bear, with the Girls Aloud star who he dated from 2015 to 2018.
Katie Waissel, who appeared on the same series of X Factor as One Direction, said her ‘heart is completely torn to shreds’ and she is ‘at a loss for words.’
In a surprising addition, she added a dig at X Factor boss Simon Cowell, stating he would be a ‘fool’ to put out a statement about the ‘tragic loss’ of her ‘dear and darling friend’.
JLS legend Marvin Humes recalled his first meeting with Liam in 2008, when the Strip That Down singer was just 14 — two years before One Direction’s formation.
‘Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..,’ the Everybody in Love hitmaker continued. ‘Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..
‘Just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP 🖤’
X Factor host Dermot O’Leary posted a picture of himself on stage with Payne on Instagram and called it ‘the worst news’.
The This Morning star wrote: ‘I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
‘He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family. Dx’
Singer Charlie Puth shared clips and pictures of himself and Payne on his Instagram story, writing how he was in ‘shock’ over the news.
‘Liam was always so kind to me,’ the Attention singer said. ‘He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…’
In a follow up story he added he was ‘so upset’ over the loss, signing off with ‘I am so sorry’ with a clip of Payne discussing their collaboration.
‘RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking … 💔,’ wrote Zedd who previously collaborated with Payne on track Get Low.
Juicy J, another former collaborator, shared: ‘RIP. Liam Payne wow I can’t believe it prayers up for the family 🙏🏿.’
Also sending condolences was TV star Rylan, writing: ‘Extremely sad news. V tragic and so young. RIP Liam x’
Paris Hilton said: ‘So upsetting to hear the news of @LiamPayne passing😢 Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. 🙏 RIP my friend🥺.’
‘Shocking and tragic,’ came the tribute from Martin Lewis, The MoneySavingExpert, adding: ‘I don’t know him but this felt like a gut punch reading this about such a young man.’
Piers Morgan simply shared the announcement and added: ‘Good grief… what a shocking tragedy.’
Dragon’s Den star Steven Barlett wrote: ‘I cannot believe what I’m reading about Liam Payne. Absolutely heartbreaking.’
Fans commented hearts and tributes on his final Instagram posts, with many deeply shaken by the heartbreaking news.
Payne’s death comes days after he was reportedly sent a cease and desist by ex-girlfriend Maya Henry over ‘obsessive’ contact.
Payne was 16 when he joined One Direction after being put in the group during an X Factor audition.
He was staying at the Hotel Cas Sur in the neighbourhood of Palermo when he fell from a balcony.
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