Louis Tomlinson’s ex reveals secret friendship with Liam Payne

Eleanor Calder dated Liam Payne’s One Direction bandmate Louis on and off for 10 years, with the model posting about how Liam’s death has ‘hit her hard’ following their sweet friendship

Louis Tomlinson’s ex-girlfriend has told how Liam Payne was a “tremendous support” to her over recent years – despite splitting from his bandmate.

Eleanor Calder, 32, dated Louis from 2011 to 2015, with the pair reuniting from 2017 to 2022. She explained that her ex’s One Direction bandmate Liam always looked out for her and even helped her move into her new flat.

Writing on Instagram Stories, model and stylist Eleanor said: “I wasn’t sure whether to post anything on here as I usually navigate loss and grief privately, but it feels strange not to. [Liam’s] passing has hit me really hard.

“Over the past couple of years, Liam has been a huge support for me and I’d like to think I was for him too. He would regularly check in to ask how I was feeling and if I was okay. When I first moved into my flat, he drew paintings of my dogs and I to put on the walls — he said he hoped it would help with making it feel like home… one of the many examples of his kindness and creativity.

Eleanor dated Louis between 2011 and 2022 ( 
Image:
GC Images)

Liam gave Eleanor paintings he’d done when she moved into her new flat ( 

Image:
Getty Images)

“I can only hope that he is at peace now and will forever wish that his story ended differently. … My heart goes out to those that knew and loved him for the person he was.”

Liam, who died aged 31 after falling from his Buenos Aires hotel balcony at the age of just 31, found fame with Eleanor’s ex Louis, 32. Louis has paid tribute to his “brother” on Instagram, sharing a photo of them having a water fight on stage.

“This picture summed up our relationship. I love you, I’ll always be your big brother x,” he said in a moving tribute. Louis had previously shared a tearful post to Liam on social media, as well as a heartfelt promise to look out for his son, Bear, who he shares with Cheryl Tweedy.

In his heartbreaking post, Louis revealed the pair had planned to make new music together, writing: “I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul. I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for. Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.”

Liam fell from around 13 or 14 metres and suffered “very serious injuries incompatible with life.” One Direction united to share an emotional joint statement on Thursday night. In a messaged signed “Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry”, the band said: “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.

“The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”