Simon Cowell cancels filming on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ following Liam Payne’s death

17 October, 2024

Simon Cowell and Liam Payne

Filming for Britain’s Got Talent has been cancelled today (October 17) following the death of Liam Payne.

The former One Direction member and The X Factor contestant tragically died last night (October 16), after reportedly falling from the third floor of a hotel in Argentina. CNN has since confirmed the British singer’s death via a statement from local authorities. Payne was 31 when he died.

Filming for the ITV series Britain’s Got Talent, with Simon Cowell – who signed One Direction to his record label Syco Entertainment – Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon alongside guest judge KSI, had started.

But in the wake of Payne’s passing, filming on the audition stage of the show has been called off for today.

In a statement, Applause Store, who organise tickets for filming, announced on social media: “Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, BGT has decided to postpone today’s auditions in Blackpool. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Separately they also wrote: “We are devastated about the very sad news about @LiamPayne. We send our love, strength and condolences to all his loved ones, family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

Cowell formed One Direction with Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson
and Zayn Malik on The X Factor in 2010 and was their first manager. After the group’s indefinite hiatus in 2016, Payne went on to enjoy a solo career, and has to date released one record, 2019’s ‘LP1’.

Earlier this year, Cowell spoke about the possibility of a One Direction reunion.

Meanwhile, The X Factor official Twitter/X page also shared a statement reading: “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.”

A host of further tributes have been paid to the singer from the likes of Liam Gallagher, Busted and McFly, The Wanted‘s Max George and Backstreet Boys.

In a statement to Reuters yesterday, local police said they were called to the hotel in Palermo after being notified of an “aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol,” though the man was not identified as Payne.

Local medical emergency service SAME also claimed to Rolling Stone that Payne fell from a height of “about 13 or 14 meters,” and that he “suffered severe injuries incompatible with life.”

In other news, details of Liam Payne’s 911 call made by the hotel head of reception have been published.

The post Simon Cowell cancels filming on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ following Liam Payne’s death appeared first on NME.