ITV programme This Morning has paid respects to One Direction’s Liam Payne following his tragic death from a hotel balcony fall in Argentina. In an emotional segment, hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley played a touching clip of the star’s X Factor audition before speaking with Dermot O’Leary who had worked closely with Liam on the show.
Clearly emotional while speaking about the loss, Dermot said: “I just thought of his family, I thought of his son and then I thought of his parents. I mean no parent should have to bury their son or their daughter.
“Obviously our thoughts and our prayers, our candles are half-lit for his family. That goes without saying.” Dermot reminisced about 14-year-old Liam’s first audition and how he ultimately found mega stardom in One Direction after re-auditioning at 16.
Reflecting on his time on X-Factor, Dermot added: “You get to know the families so well in such a short period of time. His mum and dad were just adorable. They were never pushy, this was very much his dream. He loved, he just loved to sing.”
Although Dermot shared that he last saw Liam at Soccer Aid a few years ago, he had nothing but kind words for the late singer, according to the Mirror. He added: “He was both wise and sort of a young soul at the exactly same time. He had this old bones about him, like his musical taste.
“Yet, he was always quite beautifully wide-eyed about the world and his place in it. It’s such a huge amount of pressure to be put on young shoulders.”
Ben Shephard told ITV viewers that authorities in Argentina have confirmed an autopsy will be performed to understand the circumstances surrounding his death. Mourning fans have started to gather outside the hotel where he passed away, paying tribute to the beloved star.
There’s also been tributes from many stars including Rylan Clark who wrote on Twitter: “Extremely sad news. V tragic and so young. RIP Liam x”. The Wanted’s Max George also wrote: “Devastated. Liam was an unbelievably supportive during one of the most difficult times in my life. I will never forget that. My thoughts are with his family, friends and fans at this horrendous time. Rest in peace Liam. Max x”
With Piers Morgan commenting: “Good grief.. what a shocking tragedy.”