Tributes have been pouring in after the death of One Direction star Liam Payne.
The 31-year-old singer died outside a hotel in Argentina’s capital after falling from the third floor, police said.
He rose to fame after appearing on The X Factor in 2010, where the world-famous boy band was formed.
Paying tribute, the popular TV show shared a statement on social media saying: “We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne.
“He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world.
“Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him.”
Dermot O’Leary, who presented the show at the time, called it “the worst news”.
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Alongside a photo of O’Leary and Payne standing on stage together, he wrote on Instagram: “The worst news. I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, 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.”
Singer Olly Murs starred on The X Factor a year before One Direction and described Payne’s death as “devastating” on Instagram.
“Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his family and of course his son Bear losing a dad,” he wrote.
Katie Waissel took part in The X Factor the same year that Payne did. She described him as her “confidant and my rock, offering unwavering support during some of my darkest moments”.
She added: “Liam was kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind, and the wisdom of an old soul. His warmth and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Singer Charlie Puth, who collaborated with Payne on his solo track Bedroom Floor, posted on Instagram: “I am in shock right now.
“Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he is gone.”
Payne’s former school, City of Wolverhampton College, shared an old photograph of him at a mixing desk and said the news was “very sad”.
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Radio 1 breakfast presenter Greg James described the news of Payne’s death as a “shock” and “destabilising”.
During his show on Thursday, he said: “I’ve only interviewed him a couple of times because they [One Direction] were always flying off around the world, we barely got to see them, but when we did it was always so fun.
“And he loved fun, he was funny, he was sweet”.
James said he could think of “no better song than this” before playing the One Direction hit single What Makes You Beautiful.
Max George, who was part of boy band The Wanted, described Payne’s death as “absolutely devastating news” on Instagram.
Payne attended the funeral of George’s bandmate Tom Parker, who died in March 2022 at the age of 33 of an inoperable brain tumour.
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Fans hold a vigil for Liam Payne outside hotel
“Over the last few years I had the pleasure of getting to know him personally and spent some treasured time with him,” he said.
“He supported me a lot personally after Tom passed. I will never forget that.”
Former X Factor contestant Rylan said Payne’s death was “so tragic”, while X Factor singing duo Jedward sent their love to his seven-year-old son Bear, who he shares with Cheryl.
“Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear, and all the One Direction family,” they wrote on X.
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Jack Johnson, one half of American rap duo Jack & Jack, called out social media users for their treatment of the former One Direction star.
“If this Liam Payne news is true that s**t is honestly so gut-wrenching… was such a nice guy the few times me and G ran into him, f*** the Internet for being so ruthless over the past few months,” he wrote on X.
Anne Twist, the mother of former bandmate Harry Styles, posted a broken heart emoji on Instagram with the caption: “Just a boy…”
Meanwhile, socialite Paris Hilton called the singer’s death “so upsetting” in a post on X. “Sending love and condolences to his family and loved ones,” she wrote.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson told Sky News that Payne’s passing was “very sad”, adding: “It’s no age for someone to lose their life, and my thoughts are with his friends and family, this must be a total shock for them and very, very upsetting.”
The likes of Xtra Factor presenter Konnie Huq, fellow boyband the Backstreet Boys, Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, Ty Dolla Sign, and DJ and music producer Zedd all paid tribute as well.