Video LoadingVideo UnavailableClick to playTap to playThe video will auto-play soon8CancelPlay nowDermot O’Leary has paid a heartfelt tribute to One Direction star Liam Payne, who tragically passed away at the age of 31. The former X Factor host shared a poignant message on Instagram, recalling Liam’s early days on the talent show that catapulted him to global stardom. Alongside a black and white photo of himself with Liam, Dermot wrote: “The worst news. 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.” Dermot also praised Liam’s kind and humble nature, saying: “He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family. Dx”.
Liam passed away after falling from a third floor balcony
(Image: (Credit too long, see caption))
Dermot O’Leary paid tribute to Liam Payne
(Image: ITV)
Liam rose to fame on the X Factor in 2010 as part of One Direction, alongside Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik. Tragically, Liam was found dead at a hotel in Buenos Aires after falling from the third floor. Local reports suggest that police were initially called to the hotel after receiving an emergency call about an aggressive man who may have been under the influence of substances. In a heart-wrenching turn of events, emergency services were spotted outside the hotel where singer Liam had tragically taken a fatal fall. The local ambulance manager shared with TN: “At 17.04 through the 911 integrated public safety system, we were alerted of a person who was in an internal courtyard of the management of a south house hotel”, reports the Mirror.
Liam shared a young son with Cheryl Cole
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
“At 17.11 a SAME team arrived and verified the death of this man and later we found out that he was a singer in a musical group. Unfortunately, he had injuries that were incompatible with life, as a result of his fall, so we had to confirm his death, there was no possibility of resuscitation.” The music world is in mourning, especially the X Factor alumni, including Jedward who offered their support to Liam Payne’s former partner Cheryl and their child. The twin performers expressed their sympathies on social media, writing: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear and all the One direction Family RIP @LiamPayne.” Liam was father to Bear Grey Payne, his seven year old son with ex Cheryl, born on March 22, 2017. As a couple, Liam and Cheryl’s romance spanned from 2016 until their separation in 2018.
Liam rose to fame after being put on One Direction during the X Factor
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
Having grappled publicly with addiction issues, Liam opened up about needing the space to “get well” for the sake of being present for his son, acknowledging Cheryl for allowing him the necessary “freedom.” Before he died, Liam took to Instagram to pay tribute with a throwback photo of the band and filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, the man behind One Direction’s 2013 hit documentary This Is Us. Alongside the heartfelt image, Liam penned: “Rest in peace Morgan Spurlock it was a pleasure working with you.”Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnCherylHarry StylesLiam PayneLouis TomlinsonNiall HoranZayn MalikJedwardOne DirectionThe X FactorDocumentary
