United in grief, Simon Cowell and former bandmates, Niall, Louis, Zayn and Harry have reached out to Liam’s family to offer their comfort and support, sources say
Simon Cowell has been in touch directly with Liam Payne’s family after the “utter shock” of the One Direction star’s tragic death. Sources say the music mogul, 65, who mentored the boy band on X Factor and signed them to his label Syco, contacted Liam’s parents Karen and Geoff himself.
The family are also being comforted by their son’s former bandmates, Niall Horan, 30, Louis Tomlinson, 32, Zayn Malik, 31, and Harry Styles, 30, as they mourn the loss of their “brother”.
One source said: “Simon and the One Direction boys are all in touch with Liam’s family. Niall, Louis, Zayn and Harry all saw him as their own family, and so they are doing everything that they can to console and support his relatives.
“It all comes back to them now – they will be there for them as much as they can. The four of them have been left absolutely reeling by this tragic loss. And Simon was obviously still in utter shock when he reached out after the news. He made it clear how highly he thought of Liam, and made it clear he would do anything he could to help them in the future.”
Following the shocking news of the 31-year-old dad-of-one’s death in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, his former bandmates issued their heartbreaking tribute. They wrote: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing.
“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.”
Louis also promised to look after seven-year-old Bear, Liam’s son with Cheryl Tweedy. He said: “A message to you Liam if you’re listening… 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.”
A source close to Cheryl, 41, said former boss Simon has also reached out to offer support to her and Bear. The once close pair did not speak for years following her exit from the X Factor in 2016, but recently rekindled their friendship and have enjoyed play dates with Bear and Simon’s son, Eric.
Simon revealed earlier this year they had been working together on a new reality TV project. This week he called off auditions for Britain’s Got Talent in the wake of Liam’s death.
The source said: “Simon has been in touch with Cheryl to offer his support and was very kind. She has an incredible family and support network, who are doing their best to help as she tries to come to terms with this unimaginable loss.”
Liam, who first auditioned for X Factor in 2008, rose to global fame after Simon combined him with his One Direction bandmates in 2010. The What Makes You Beautiful superstars went on to sell more than 70 million records worldwide.
They began an indefinite hiatus in January 2016. Four months later, it emerged Liam was dating former X Factor judge Cheryl – eight years after they first met. The Girls Aloud star welcomed their son in March 2017, but they split a year later.
Opening up about the relationship on Ant Middleton’s Straight Talking podcast, Liam confided he had joked to the X Factor boss that Cheryl was “hot”, leading Simon to tease him: “I know who the next Mrs Payne is going to be.”
After Simon brought him up in conversation with Cheryl and bandmate Niall, the Irish star shared with Liam that she had blushed at his name. Liam told Ant: “So I just hit her up and when I came back from America we just hung out a bunch of times and it just went from there.” Asked if that meant Simon was their matchmaker, Liam added: “Basically I won X Factor more than anyone.”
Robbie Williams paid tribute, saying: “What a handsome talented boy. What a tragic painful loss for his friends, family, fans… the world.” X Factor host Dermot O’Leary said: “The worst news. I remember him turning up as a 14-year-old 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.”
