The BRITs returned this evening for the first time since the tragic death of One Direction star Liam Payne back in October last year

Liam Payne was remembered with a tear-jerking tribute at the BRIT Awards this evening.

The One Direction star sadly died at the age of 31 last October when he fell from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires. Liam’s cause of death was confirmed at the time to be ‘polytrauma’ and he was remembered tonight with a special tribute.

The show’s host Jack Whitehall was on hand to introduce the heartbreaking segment, which featured a video montage to the One Direction star, who passed away just a few months back. There were tears from those in the room and viewers at home alike as Jack paid a simple but sad tribute to Liam, who was one of his friends.

A heartfelt and heartbreaking tribute was paid to Liam, before the show went to an advertisement break. Jack said: “Now time to take a moment to remember a very special person who meant so much to so many of the people in this room and to millions of you around the world. Last October, we woke to the devastating news that Liam Payne had tragically passed away.

The tribute to Liam had fans in tears

“He achieved so much in the short time he was on this earth and not only is he an extremely gifted musician but an incredibly kind soul, who touched the lives of everyone he came into contact with. We have so many amazing memories of Liam here at the BRITs so tonight, we celebrate his legacy and look back and remember the remarkable Liam Payne.”

A video tribute then played with the song Little Things playing underneath it as they shared clips of Liam, with the video ending with Liam talking about his success in his own words. He said: “We thought something might happen but never anything like this. I’m always trying to remind myself of where I’m coming from and where I’ve managed to get to in my life. It’s amazing really.”

Fans flooded social media with tributes to Liam, as one wrote: “#BRITs2025 still doesn’t feel real that he’s not here anymore,” as another penned: “Absolutely sobbing #BRITs2025.” A third shared: “It’s still so unbelievable that Liam passed #BRITs2025.”

Host Jack Whitehall led tributes to Liam
Before the show, Jack had shared his own feelings on Liam’s death, detailing the wonderful memories he had of the singer.

Speaking about his friendship and bond with Liam, and how they would pay tribute, he said: “It’s really lovely that we have this moment within the show to pay tribute and remember him. I have lots of really great memories of Liam. He was always game for fun. I filmed some sketches with him – not everyone is up for that, but he always made time.”

A tribute was also made to Liam in the programme book given to BRITs attendees. It read: “In October 2024, a special member of the BRITs family passed away … Having received seven BRITs with One Direction, and performed twice with the band and twice as a solo artist at the awards over the years, Liam’s talent endures through the countless lives he touched. He was not just a singer, he was a beacon of light for those who grew up with his work. May his music continue to live on in our hearts.”

Read updates from the BRIT Awards on The Mirror’s live blog HERE

One Direction won seven BRIT Awards over the years ( 
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There had initially been reports that the rest of One Direction might reunite for a special performance to remember Liam, but it was later revealed that that wouldn’t be the case – as it would be too overwhelming.

“This has been an incredibly emotional time for the group, and they decided that a performance would be too overwhelming. They have mourned privately and don’t feel the need for a public tribute just for the sake of it. While fans may be disappointed, the timing simply isn’t right,” a source had said of the initial potential of performing a special tribute.

Liam was remembered in a heartfelt and emotional tribute at the BRIT Awards ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan all attended Liam’s funeral in Buckinghamshire last year. At the time of Liam’s death, the band paid tribute to their bandmate and friend.

They said at the time they were “completely devastated” and “the memories we shared with him will be treasured forever”. In a statement signed by all four of them, they wrote: “In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.”