Liam Payne's family have spoken out following the singer's tragic death.
Payne, who died yesterday (16 October) after falling from a third-floor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, rose to fame after he joined boyband One Direction back in 2010 on the X Factor.
Tributes have since flooded in for the 31-year-old including from Dermot O'Leary, Harry Styles' mum and the official X Factor social media accounts.
The ITV show's statement, which was accompanied by a picture of Payne, reads: "We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne.
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"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."
It's also been confirmed that ITV talent show Britain's Got Talent has cancelled its auditions set to be filmed today due to Payne's sudden death.
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Payne's family have now also released a tribute saying they are 'heartbroken' by his death, adding in a statement that 'Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul'.
"We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time," they added.
Fellow X Factor star, Cher Lloyd, who was on the show at the same time as the singer, has also shared a heartbreaking tribute following Payne's sudden death.
She shared a snap of herself and the 'What Makes You Beautiful' star, presumably taken when the pair were filming the singing competition together.
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Lloyd, 31, wrote in the caption: "From being on the show together, visiting each others homes while filming, going on tour together and watching you achieve your dreams.
"I’ll cherish the memories made and the laughs we had. My thoughts are with your family and friends, with everyone who loves you."
She concluded her tribute by penning a special mention of the little boy Payne shares with former X Factor judge Cheryl: "My heart is breaking for your Son Bear. Rest in peace Liam."
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During his time on the show, he met judge Cheryl, striking up a relationship with the ex-Girls Aloud singer in the years that followed and welcoming a son, Bear, with her in 2017.
The couple split a year later, and he has since been dating long-term girlfriend Kate Cassidy.
Topics: Celebrity, Liam Payne, News
Rhiannon Ingle