Liam tragically died at the age of 31 (Image: Ken McKay/Rex Features)Former X Factor sensation Mary Byrne has shared a heartfelt tribute to Liam Payne after his tragic and unexpected passing. The 64 year old songstress, who was on the same series as Liam when One Direction was formed, described their bond as akin to “the older mammy and the boy”. Mary, who secured fifth place in the 2010 competition, disclosed that their last conversation happened six years ago during an appearance on RTE’s The Late Late Show. Tragically, Liam passed away at just 31 years old following a fall from the third-floor balcony of an Argentine hotel. Authorities reported that he plummeted into the courtyard of the CasaSur Hotel located in Buenos Aires’ Palermo district, with medical personnel later confirming his untimely demise.
Mary competed on X Factor at the same time as Liam
(Image: Ken McKay/Rex Features)
Reflecting on her connection with Liam, Mary opened up to the PA news agency, saying: “I kind of became good friends with Liam.” Entering X Factor at 50, Mary found the experience challenging, much like the younger contestants did, and she recalled how her friendship with Liam blossomed during boot camp. ” As a 50-year-old lady going into the X Factor, I found it tough, like the young kids found it tough work as well, and I remember getting to meet Liam at boot camp, and we just got talking one day, and a kind of friendship, a little bond, came between us, the older mammy and the boy.” She fondly remembered how their friendship continued to grow throughout the show, noting Liam’s caring nature. “And it was lovely that went on into the house, and into the live shows and the whole lot, Liam was one of the guys who if anyone in the group felt a bit down, he was the one to give you the hug. He was the one to come over and assure you that everything was going to be OK, just keep going. And he got the rest of the lads doing the same thing.”
Mary described Liam as an old soul
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Mary reminisced about a time she was down in the dumps on the show, revealing the sweet gesture from One Direction’s Storm Lee, who treated her to “a big box of roses” and a heartfelt card. Touched by their kindness, she shared: “On the top of the card they all signed it, but Liam said, ‘mammy Mary, I’m here for you, you’ve got to keep going, we’ll do this together'”. She continued, gushing about the precious memento, “I mean, come on, I still have that card, that to me proved the heart that young lad had.” The Irish vocalist recounted their last encounter during an appearance on an Irish talk show, noting how Liam was absolutely “on top form” that day. She recalled fondly: “We had photographs taken backstage and in the dressing room and he was on top form.” Reflecting on missed connections, Mary expressed regret at not staying in touch, “The first thing he did was give me a hug and tell me that his parents were happy and everything was going well. I’m sorry now that I didn’t keep in contact with him, but life goes on and we all go our own ways, it’s sad.” She praised Liam as being the glue that held The X Factor group together, describing him as “the one that really wanted the group to work” and calling him out as a natural leader.
Mary said Liam was on top form when she saw him
(Image: Getty Images)
Ever endearing, Mary gushed over Liam’s character: “He was like an old soul, he just had this thing about him, that he was kind for starters, and he was funny, and he was generous with time, which for a 16-year-old boy, it’s a beautiful thing to see. He was so well brought up and obviously so well loved that he would give this passion to other people.” “He was such a great guy, and he was only a baby when I met him, and to see him growing into the lovely man he is, and he has that beautiful baby Bear with Cheryl. It’s so sad to think now that, that beautiful star has gone out of the sky.”Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnCherylLiam PayneOne DirectionThe X Factor
