Simon Cowell was comforted by Geoff and Karen Payne (
Image: WireImage)
Former X Factor boss Simon Cowell was supported by Liam Payne’s parents as he attended the intimate funeral for the late One Direction singer, who died at the age of 31
Simon Cowell received the comfort of Liam Payne’s mum and dad as he attended the late star’s funeral.
The former One Direction singer tragically died aged 31 last month on October 16 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His devastated father Geoff flew out to the country and brought his son’s body back to the UK two weeks ago so that he could finally be laid to rest.
Today, Liam’s loved ones said their final goodbye to the singer at an intimate service. X Factor judge and show creator Simon, who helped to form One Direction back in 2010, attended the funeral in the Home Counties with his fiancée Lauren Silverman. While outside the church, Simon was consoled by Liam’s dad Geoff and mum Karen.
Simon attended the service with fiancée Lauren Silverman (
Image:
WireImage)
He was supported by Liam’s parents (
WireImage)
They both placed an arm around the music mogul as they shared an emotional moment together. Simon, who wore a full black suit to the funeral, had issued a tribute to Liam on social media following his tragic death. It read: “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.
“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.”
They shared an emotional embrace together (
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Simon also consoled fellow mourners at the funeral following the service. An onlooker told the Mirror: “Liam’s former One Direction bandmates stood shoulder to shoulder, their grief clear, as they exchanged quiet words and comforting embraces. Simon Cowell, his face still etched with sorrow, was seen consoling Liam’s friend and family, offering no doubt heartfelt words amid the shared pain.”
Liam’s former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik attended the service. Other celebrities paying their respects to Liam included Kimberly Walsh, Nicola Roberts, Robbie Keane, Marvin Humes and his wife Rochelle. Liam’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy also attended his funeral with the support of Damien Hurley. Kate and Liam had been dating for two years.
Cheryl Tweedy was seen arriving at the funeral. Speaking after Liam’s death, Cheryl said she will “make sure” her son Bear knows all about his late father Liam. The Girls Aloud star was in a high-profile relationship with Liam between 2016 and 2018. She said in a devastating statement on Instagram that their son has to “face the reality of never seeing his father again”.
