One Direction star Liam Payne’s funeral has taken place, with his family, closest friends and former bandmates attending the service.
Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy and Girls Aloud singers Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh, who were pictured wearing long black coats and sunglasses, were among the first mourners to arrive.
Payne’s former bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik were also in attendance, along with TV presenter and actor James Corden, BBC Radio host Scott Mills, and music mogul Simon Cowell.
Dozens of locals and fans have also gathered outside the church to pay their final respects to the British singer, who died aged 31 after falling from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room on 16 October.
Malik, Horan, Tomlinson and Styles said they were “devastated” by his passing but “the memories we shared with him will be treasured forever”.
For years, Payne was one of the biggest names in pop, having shot to fame with his One Direction bandmates after forming on The X Factor in 2010. During their five-year career, they sold 70 million records and achieved four No 1 singles and four No 1 albums.
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Liam Payne funeral - latest updates
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Harry Styles pictured outside church for Liam Payne’s funeral
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Pictures: A florist arranges flowers ahead of the funeral service at a church in the Home Counties
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One Direction fans urge others to be respectful on day of funeral
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Zayn Malik’s moving tribute to Liam Payne
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Liam Payne: The ambitious One Direction star who struggled with dark side of fame
One Direction star Liam Payne laid to rest after emotional funeral service attended by former bandmates
15:01 , Roisin O'Connor
One Direction star Liam Payne was laid to rest at a private funeral attended by his family and former bandmates, one month after his death, aged 31.
Payne, who rose to fame in 2010 as a member of the biggest pop group since The Beatles, died in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on 16 October after falling from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room.
His funeral took place on Wednesday (20 November) at St Mary’s Church in Buckinghamshire. Ahead of the service, garlands and wreaths of flowers were arranged outside the entrance and fans and locals gathered outside to pay their respects.
Among the first mourners to arrive was Payne’s girlfriend, US influencer Kate Cassidy, who was pictured walking into the church with model Damian Hurley, the son of Elizabeth Hurley.
Payne’s One Direction bandmate Harry Styles arrived in a BMW with his friend, TV presenter and actor James Corden, while fellow 1D singers Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan all turned up separately.
Full story:
One Direction star Liam Payne laid to rest after emotional funeral service
Kate Cassidy, girlfriend of Liam Payne, leaves funeral service
14:46 , Roisin O'Connor
Liam Payne‘s girlfriend at the time of his death, US influencer Kate Cassidy, has left the churchyard after the singer’s funeral.
Tribute: ‘ Liam Payne drew the short straw in One Direction – now we’ll never know the real him'
14:41 , Roisin O'Connor
Both in the band and out of it, the pop star struggled to find his defining identity, writes Mark Beaumont. Attempts at telling the world who he is with a second solo album and a documentary fell on deaf ears. His life now cut tragically short, the singer may remain elusive forever
Liam Payne drew the short straw in One Direction – now we’ll never know the real him
Liam Payne and Cheryl Cole’s relationship: Timeline from X Factor meeting to coparenting son Bear
14:21 , Roisin O'Connor
Liam Payne and Cheryl Cole’s relationship: From X Factor meeting to coparenting
Liam Payne’s funeral service has concluded
14:17 , Roisin O'Connor
Simon Cowell held Liam Payne‘s parents Geoff and Karen in an embrace as they left the church.
The Revd. Jonny Rapson then walked in front of the hearse as the coffin and Liam Payne‘s parents drove off.
Liam Payne‘s coffin has been carried outside the church and placed inside the hearse.
Pictures: Cheryl Tweedy leaves funeral service of her former boyfriend Liam Payne
14:15 , Roisin O'Connor
Liam Payne’s former partner shares one thing he was ‘most proud of’
14:01 , Roisin O'Connor
Dancer and model Danielle Peazer, who dated One Direction star Liam Payne for two years until 2013, shared a lengthy tribute to singer following the news of his death.
Peazer remained on friendly terms with the singer, whom she met on ITV reality contest The X Factor in 2010, and revealed in her statement the one thing she believed he was “most proud of”.
Writing on Instagram on Sunday, she urged her followers to see Payne not just as “a world-famous musician for the last decade” but also “someone’s son and brother for more than 30 years, a friend to so many and more recently an uncle”.
“His most important role and something he was the most proud of out of all of his monumental successes was that he was a father,” Peazer said. “The thought that there is now a child growing up without one of their parents is heartbreaking and unfair.
“To Liam’s son Bear, as well as his parents and sisters, my love, thoughts and strength goes to you. The magnitude of this loss is incomprehensible and I will continue to support you in any way I am able to.”
Payne shared Bear with Girls Aloud star and X Factor judge Cheryl, whom he dated between 2016 to 2018.
Peazer said that, while her and Payne’s relationship might have ended in 2013, they knew they would share “some sort of connection forever”.
“It took a little longer for you to figure out the person you wanted to be in order to be your happiest, but whilst most of us have our teens and twenties to learn about ourselves, you spent those years giving more to the world than you ever needed to,” she said, addressing Payne.
“I wish you knew that you were always more than enough for this world without having to search for a role to play just to please others.”
She also wrote that in the more than a decade in which they knew each other, he knew “how I felt” and she often “hoped and prayed that this day would never come. But now we’re all facing the reality of living a life without your presence.”
“Thank you for teaching me about the importance of setting boundaries, and that I should always protect my heart,” she concluded.
Pictures: Liam Payne’s coffin arrives at church
13:43 , Roisin O'Connor
Rita Ora fights back tears in Liam Payne tribute at MTV EMAs
13:41 , Roisin O'Connor
Horse-drawn carriage arrives carrying Liam Payne’s coffin
13:22 , Roisin O'Connor
A horse-drawn carriage has arrived at St Mary's Church carrying a dark blue coffin with silver handles, topped with white roses.
On top of the carriage, there was a red floral tribute which said “son” and a blue tribute which said “daddy”.
Silence fell upon the crowd as Liam Payne's father Geoff Payne and his mother Karen got out of a vehicle and stood behind the reverend, next to the carriage.
Niall Horan recalls last conversation with Liam Payne: ‘I didn’t know I was saying goodbye forever’
13:21 , Roisin O'Connor
Niall Horan shared a personal tribute to his late One Direction bandmate Liam Payne in the wake of his death, reflecting on their meeting just weeks earlier.
Horan, who rose to fame along with Payne and their bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik after competing on The X Factorin 2010, posted the statement to Instagram along with a sweet photo of them together.
“I’m absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam,” Horan, 31, wrote. “It just doesn’t feel real.
“Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and made everyone feel happy and secure.”
He continued: “All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness. We got to live our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever.
“The bond and friendship we had doesn’t happen often in a lifetime.”
Horan said he felt “so fortunate” that he had been able to see Payne while he was touring in Argentina: “I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking.”
He concluded: “My love and condolences go out to Geoff, Karen, Ruth, Nicola and of course his son Bear. Thank you for everything, Payno. Love you brother. Nialler.”
Niall Horan recalls last conversation with ‘brother’ Liam Payne
13:05 , Roisin O'Connor
BBC Radio 2 host Scott Mills has arrived ahead of the funeral of Liam Payne in Buckinghamshire.
The presenter, who spent a lot of time with One Direction in the early days of their career, wore a black long coat over dark trousers for the service.
Former professional footballer Robbie Keane and broadcaster Adrian Chiles were also amongst the mourners gathering to pay their last respects to Payne.
13:01 , Roisin O'Connor
Liam Payne’s former One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson have all arrived for the pop singer’s funeral today.
Styles was accompanied by his friend, actor and TV presenter James Cordon. The pair arrived at St Mary's Church in a BMW and were dressed in black.
They went straight inside the church.
Harry Styles’s tribute to Liam Payne
13:01 , Roisin O'Connor
As well as the joint tribute with his surviving One Direction bandmates, Harry Styles shared a personal message from his Instagram following Payne’s death.
“I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing,” he wrote.
“His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.
“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectiou. He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.
“My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”
Harry Styles pictured outside church for Liam Payne’s funeral
12:53 , Roisin O'Connor
Jamie Scott, architect behind some of One Direction’s biggest hits, arrives at Liam Payne’s funeral
12:49 , Roisin O'Connor
Jamie Scott has arrived at Liam Payne’s funeral. One Direction fans will recognise him as the writer and producer behind some of One Direction’s biggest hits - he is the only collaborator to have worked on every one of their albums and helped them to transition from teen pop into a more mature sound.
Among the singles he co-wrote include “Story of My Life”, “Drag Me Down”, “Night Changes” and “Midnight Memories”, while he also collaborated with 1D’s members after their split in 2016, most notably with Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson.
Nicole Scherzinger says she is ‘heartbroken’ over Liam Payne in first interview since his death
12:41 , Roisin O'Connor
Nicole Scherzinger said she is “heartbroken” over Liam Payne in her first live interview since his death.
The former X Factor judge also revealed how she wants people to remember the One Direction star as she paid an emotional tribute to him when she appeared on Good Morning America on Friday (25 October).
The 46-year-old said: “Liam and I were quite close.
“And so, yeah, I’m heartbroken. I’m heartbroken for Liam. I’m heartbroken for his family and his loved ones and his fans.
“Liam always led with his heart and with kindness, and I really hope that’s how he’ll always be remembered.”
The 31-year-old singer tragically died on 16 October after falling from a third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires.
Nicole Scherzinger says she is ‘heartbroken’ over Liam Payne in live TV interview
IN PICTURES: Liam Payne’s girfriend Kate Cassidy among first mourners to arrive
12:39 , Roisin O'Connor
PICTURES: Tributes to Liam Payne are laid in a park in his home town of Wolverhampton
12:24 , Roisin O'Connor
VIDEO: Ant Middleton reflects on Liam Payne’s advice to those struggling with mental health
12:21 , Roisin O'Connor
A church ahead of the funeral service for former One Direction singer Liam Payne, near London, Britain
12:01 , Roisin O'Connor
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Zayn Malik’s moving tribute to Liam Payne
12:01 , Roisin O'Connor
Zayn Malik also paid tribute to Payne on his personal Instagram account, sharing a sweet photo of the pair of them sleeping in the back of a tour bus.
“Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives,” Malik wrote.
“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life. When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.
“Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f***s about telling people when they were wrong. Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it.
“When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison. I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.
“I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next.
“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly.
“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are. Love you bro.”
Leading songwriter urges music industry to stop pushing teenagers into stardom after Liam Payne’s death
11:41 , Greg Evans
In the wake of Liam Payne’s death, a leading figure within the music industry has called on measures to be introduced to stop youngsters being pushed into pop stardom.
Payne was 31 when he died on 16 October after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A preliminary autopsy reported that the singer died as a result of the injuries he suffered from the fall.
Numerous tributes have been paid to Payne from his One Direction bandmates to former partner Cheryl, who decried the coverage of his death by some media outlets.
Payne was 16 when he became a member of One Direction on The X Factor, but Guy Chambers, the former songwriter for Robbie Williams, now wants the music industry to stop working with talent under the age of 18.
“I do think putting a 16-year-old in an adult world like that is potentially really damaging. Robbie experienced that, certainly,” Chambers told The Observer.
Full story:
Music industry urged to stop pushing teenagers into stardom after Liam Payne’s death
Liam Payne’s coffin has been carried inside the church
13:27 , Roisin O'Connor
The dark blue coffin was carried by undertakers from the front of the church and through the churchyard, and inside the building via the side door.
Simon Cowell arrives at church
13:14 , Roisin O'Connor
Music mogul Simon Cowell, who created The X Factor on which One Direction - comprising Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik - were formed, has arrived at the church where Payne’s funeral is taking place.
Sharing a post on his Instagram account shortly after Payne’s death, aged 31, in October, Cowell said, “Liam, I am truly devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty.”
Cowell added, “I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon.”
VIDEO: Rita Ora fights back tears in Liam Payne tribute at MTV EMAs
11:21 , Roisin O'Connor
COMMENT: ‘Grief is complex – but why did so many people target Liam Payne’s ex after his death?'
11:01 , Roisin O'Connor
In the wake of the One Direction star’s tragic death, Payne’s former partner Maya Henry has been caught in a maelstrom of toxic public discourse, writes Olivia Petter.
Grief is complex – but why did so many people target Liam Payne’s ex after he died?
Perrie Edwards makes music industry plea after Liam Payne’s death
10:41 , Roisin O'Connor
Singer Perrie Edwards has called for more support for artists in the music industry following the death of Liam Payne.
The Little Mix singer, who dated Liam’s One Direction bandmate Zayn Malik, said artists “aren’t looked after enough”.
Speaking on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Offical podcast, released on Monday (28 October), the 31-year-old said: “There are no consequences for people’s comments online. People are not looked after enough in this industry, people are put on a pedestal.
“They are treated like a god and then everyone jumps on this bandwagon of like ‘let’s tear them down’. But people are human. Can we make rules with social media?”
Perrie Edwards makes music industry plea after Liam Payne’s death
Liam Payne’s funeral to take place today
10:38 , Roisin O'Connor
The funeral of One Direction singer Liam Payne will be held today, with his former bandmates expected to be among the guests attending.
The funeral, being held in the Home Counties, will also be attended by Payne‘s family and friends, with girlfriend Kate Cassidy also reported to be there.
Fans from across the globe have continued to hold vigils in memory of Payne following his death.
The entrance of the church which is hosting the service has been decorated with candle lanterns and white roses that have been arranged in surrounding shrubbery.
Payne rose to fame alongside Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan when Simon Cowell put them together to form One Direction on ITV talent show The X Factor in 2010.
He had first auditioned in 2008 when he was 14, singing Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon”, with judge Cowell telling him to return to the talent show two years later.
In 2010 he impressed the judges with a rendition of Michael Buble’s version of “Cry Me A River” before being put with four other solo hopefuls at the boot camp stage of the competition - the group that later became One Direction.
Payne, who was born in Wolverhampton, went on to launch a successful solo career, releasing his debut solo album LP1 in December 2019, which included the songs Polaroid and Strip That Down featuring Quavo.
One of his most well-known songs, “For You”, was a collaboration between him and singer Rita Ora for the film Fifty Shades Freed.
He and Girls Aloud singer Cheryl, who were in a relationship between 2016 and 2018, share a son, Bear.
Additional reporting by Press Association
Louis Tomlinson’s moving tribute to Liam Payne
10:21 , Roisin O'Connor
“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,” Liam Payne’s former bandmate Louis Tomlionson wrote in a lengthy statement, following the news of his death.
“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.
“And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.
“A message to you Liam if you’re listening,
“I feel beyond lucky to have had you in my life but I’m really struggling with the idea of saying goodbye. I’m so grateful that we got even closer since the band, speaking on the phone for hours , reminiscing about all the thousands of amazing memories we had together is a luxury I thought I’d have with you for life. I would have loved to share the stage with you again but it wasn’t to be.
“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.
“I wish I got chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.
“Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you mate. Sleep well X”
Pictures: A florist arranges flowers ahead of the funeral service for One Direction singer Liam Payne at a church in the Home Counties
10:20 , Roisin O'Connor
What do we know about Liam Payne’s funeral arrangements?
10:04 , Roisin O'Connor
Details of Liam Payne’s funeral arrangements have been kept to a minimum. The Independent understands that Payne’s family wish to keep the funeral as private as possible, with only family members and his closest friends in attendance - therefore no details about the location or timings have been shared.
Payne’s fans have been urging one another to be respectful and to not attempt to try and approach the funeral location.
“You wouldn’t want random people showing up and sharing photos from the service of your loved ones who passed away right?” one fan wrote on X/Twitter. “How about give Liam and his family/friends that same respect?”
“Do whatever you need to do to mourn this loss. But do not show up to the funeral,” another said. “Do not spread pictures of the boys. Let them spend their final moments with their dear friend in private.”
VIDEO: Perrie Edwards calls on music industry to look after artists after Liam Payne's death
10:01 , Roisin O'Connor
Zayn Malik’s moving tribute to Liam Payne
09:51 , Roisin O'Connor
Zayn Malik also paid tribute to Payne on his personal Instagram account, sharing a sweet photo of the pair of them sleeping in the back of a tour bus.
“Liam, I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives,” Malik wrote.
“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life. When I was missing home as a 17 yr old kid you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.
“Even though you were younger than me you were always more sensible than me, you were headstrong, opinionated, and gave no f***s about telling people when they were wrong. Even though we butted heads because of this a few times, I always secretly respected you for it.
“When it came to the music Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense. I knew nothing in comparison. I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.
“I was always happy to know, no matter what happened on stage we could always rely on you to know which way to steer the ship next.
“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly.
“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever, there is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated. I hope that wherever you are right now you are good and are at peace and you know how loved you are. Love you bro.”
Liam Payne’s family statement after his death
09:41 , Roisin O'Connor
In a short statement following his death, Liam’s family said: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.”
Liam Payne obituary
09:25 , Roisin O'Connor
Born in Wolverhampton, England, Payne was drawn to singers such as Usher and Justin Timberlake. He remembered his childhood as a happy one: his father, Geoff, worked as a fitter, while his mother, Karen, was a nursery nurse.
“It was great, though we didn’t have much,” he told The Telegraph in a 2017 interview. “Dad was in debt, but they did the best they could. It makes you dream a bit, you know?”
Believing a career in music would be “the thing that made my parents proudest”, he first appeared as a contestant on reality TV contest The X Factor in 2008, but was told by judge and show creator Simon Cowell to come back in two years.
When he returned in 2010, he was placed in the group One Direction alongside fellow contestants Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson. It was his big break.
Liam Payne: The ambitious One Direction star who struggled with dark side of fame
Liam Payne’s funeral to take place today
09:13 , Roisin O'Connor
Liam Payne’s funeral is due to take place today (Wednesday 20 November), just over a month after the One Direction star died at the age of 31.
The singer suffered fatal injuries after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on October 16.
The ceremony will be closed to the public, attended by just his family and closest friends. His four One Direction bandmates: Louis Tomlinson, 32, Niall Horan, 31, Zayn Malik, 31, and Harry Styles, 30, are expected to attend.
A wake is expected to be held following the service.
