Louis Tomlinson promises to tell Liam Payne’s son Bear stories about ‘his amazing dad’-Alistair McGeorge-Entertainment – Metro

Louis Tomlinson has vowed to be ‘the uncle Bear needs in his life’ (Picture: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has made a heartbreaking promise to Liam Payne after his death aged 31.

The group released a statement together, saying they were ‘completely devastated’ to hear about Payne’s fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Wednesday night.

Now, Tomlinson, 31, has shared a devastating personal statement on Instagram, writing: ‘I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.’

He said it was ‘a message to you Liam if you’re listening’, leaving fans in floods of tears as he added he was ‘really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye’.

‘I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you,’ Tomlinson wrote. ‘Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X’

He added in his tribute: ‘I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul.

Tomlinson said he was ‘beyond devastated’ (Picture: David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock)

He has vowed to be there for Bear (Picture: Instagram/Liam Payne)

‘I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for.’

He hailed him as an ‘incredible song writer with a great sense of melody’, adding: ‘We often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.’

Former 1D member Zayn Malik posted a touching throwback picture of him and Payne asleep backstage, and admitted he has been ‘talking out loud’ to late late friend’.

‘I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives,’ he wrote, revealing he ‘never got to thank’ Payne for supporting him through ‘some of the most difficult times’.

Zayn Malik also paid tribute to Payne (Picture: Instagram)

Harry Styles admitted he is ‘truly devastated’ after his friend’s death (Picture: Matt Baron/Shutterstock)

Harry Styles shared a picture of Payne performing on stage alongside some touching words in honour of his late friend.

‘I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing,’ he began. ‘His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it. Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.

‘He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.

‘My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth [Payne’s parents and siblings], his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did. – Harry.’

He paid tribute to his friend’s ‘energy for life’ (Picture: Instagram)

Although Niall Horan is yet to post publicly, the group — who have been on hiatus since 2015 — did share a joint statement, saying they are ‘completely devastated’ by the news.

One Direction continued: ‘In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.

‘The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.

‘We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.’

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