Former X Factor contestant Sean Smith has shared a devastating admission following Liam Payne’s tragic death as he admitted he understands how the singer ‘spiralled out of control’
A former X Factor star has admitted they understand how Liam Payne “spiralled out of control” in a devastating admission.
Sean Smith, who competed on the ITV singing competition back in 2007, claimed drugs were widespread in the industry. He found fame alongside his sister thanks to being part of due Same Difference. The singer met Liam when he supported them in the early days. Liam, who appeared on X Factor in 2008 and 2010, tragically died aged 31 in October.
The former One Direction star fell from the third floor of a hotel in Argentina. Since his devastating death, stars from across the music industry have spoke about the pressures on young singers as they enter the spotlight. Sean admitted he was so shocked by the news of Liam’s death, he first thought it was a hoax.
“I couldn’t work out how he got there, he was so talented, grounded and from such a wonderful family that I just couldn’t understand,” he told the Sun. However, Sean said drugs are common in the industry as he added: “You could see how easily you get into that world and that it could spiral out of control.”
Speaking of his own experience, Sean confessed to struggling with having to be “perfect” all the time. He said: “We were told, ‘It’s always sunny in Same Difference world, always. You always have a big smile while being papped. If you do an interview even if there are cracks you must never show them’.”
Following the news of Liam’s death, many of his X Factor co-stars paid tribute. Singer Mary Byrne competed on the same series as Liam when One Direction was created and said their relationship was like “the older mammy and the boy”. Mary, who came fifth on the 2010 series, revealed she last spoke to him six years ago while they were appearing as guests on RTE’s The Late Late Show.
She told PA news agency: “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.” X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson reached out to her followers in an emotional plea following the tragic news in a since deleted post.
She wrote: “Don’t aspire to be famous and don’t push your kids to be famous, it’s such an illusion it’s a brilliant distraction from everything and anything that is real! I knew when I first went to celebrity parties that I didn’t fit in, everybody wanted to be a sample size nobody ate.”
In an emotional tribute she penned: “It’s always a hotel room! We both met at Euston station and shared the taxi together to X Factor. I can’t help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead. If he hadn’t jumped on that train and jumped in that taxi I believe he would be alive today. Rest in peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love to your mum and family x.”
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