Simon Cowell says Bear has Liam Payne’s ‘twinkle in the eye’ in heartbreaking tribute-Josie Copson-Entertainment – Metro

Simon Cowell has written a statement following Liam Payne’s death (Picture: Dave Hogan/Getty Images)

Simon Cowell has shared a tribute to Liam Payne, after his death aged 31.

On Wednesday, it was announced that the singer had died aged 31 after falling off a balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The music mogul first met Payne when he was just 14 and auditioned for the X Factor. He made it to Judges’ houses but after not making it to live shows, Cowell, 65, advised that he returned two years later. That’s what he did, and was placed into a group, later called One Direction, which included Payne, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson.

He chose to post about the time they spent together over the years, and Payne’s character on Instagram.

The 65-year-old began: ‘You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens.

‘Liam, I am 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.

Cowell met Payne when he was 14 (Picture: Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)

‘This is so difficult to put into 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.

Payne died age 31 (Picture: Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP, File)

‘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 eye that you have.

Cowell posted a message on Instagram before deleting it (Picture: Instagram)

‘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 regarding 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.

Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Simon Cowell, Harry Styles and Liam Payne with Simon Cowell (Picture: Dave M. Benett/WireImage)

‘Rest in peace, my friend. And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family.’

He concluded: ‘Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty.’

Shortly after it was shared on social media, the post was removed. It was then shared once again, this time the comments feature was turned off.

Payne was just 16 when he joined One Direction (Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)

Payne was 16 when he joined One Direction in 2010 after being put in the group during an X Factor audition alongside Horan, Styles, Malik, and Tomlinson.

They finished in third place behind Matt Cardle and Rebecca Ferguson. Despite not winning, they managed to become one of the most successful boybands of all time after being signed by Cowell’s music label Syco Entertainment.

Their hits, including What Makes You Beautiful, Story of My Life, and Night Changes, made them global stars.

The group went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016, as the singers all embarked on successful solo careers.

Britain’s Got Talent auditions were cancelled (Picture: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Britain’s Got Talent filming was cancelled following the news of Payne’s death.

In a statement, Applause Store, who organised the tickets for filming, announced: ‘Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, BGT has decided to postpone today’s auditions in Blackpool. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.’ The series began filming earlier this week.

When filming resumes on Saturday, it is claimed that Cowell will be replaced by Bruno Tonioli.

Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon alongside guest judge KSI, who was hired as a temporary replacement for Tonioli, will also continue fillming for the ITV series.

‘He didn’t feel it was right to continue with filming BGT, and when it resumes on Saturday, does not feel he’ll be in the right head space to continue,’ a source told The Sun.

‘All the judges and production crew are being hugely supportive.’

Cheryl and Payne were together for two years (Picture: JMEnternational/Getty Images)

Payne once spoke about how Cowell helped his relationship with Cheryl begin. The former couple went on to have son Bear together.

‘I went to Simon’s house, and made a joke about how hot Cheryl was. Simon was like, “I know who’s going to be the next Mrs Payne!’ he said on the Straight Talking with Ant Middleton podcast.

‘Then I was in a bar and Niall came in and told me that Cheryl liked me. I was like “Cheryl? Cheryl?” Niall was in Simon’s dressing room, Simon said my name, she went red and left.’

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