One Direction

LOUIS Tomlinson has opened up about the death of Liam Payne and has revealed he’s struggling to come to terms with it.

Pop star Liam tragically died after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires in October last year.

The pair were firm friends after being in One Direction together from 2010 and 2016 and they continued their friendship after the band split up.

Speaking about the grief of losing Liam, Louis told The Independent: “I naively thought that, at this point, I’d unfortunately be a little bit more well versed with grief than other people my age.

“I thought that might mean something, but it didn’t at all. It’s something I’ll never really accept. I don’t think.”

Louis is no stranger to grief, having lost his mum Johannah Deakin in 2016, when she died of leukaemia at the age of 43.

SISTER’S BLAST

Liam Payne’s sister swipes at his ex over ‘people using his death for fame’

‘MY WORLD BURNED’

Liam Payne’s sister says she’s ‘paralysed by grief’ on death anniversary

Just three years later, his sister Félicité tragically died from an accidental overdose at the age of 18.

This isn’t the first time Louis has opened up about Liam as he recently spoke about him during an appearance on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast.

He told the Dragons’ Den star: “I could just go on and talk all day about how amazing he was, but I think we all looked up to him.

“I don’t think we would have been brave enough to say at that age when I was in the bnd, I think I would’ve had too much pride, but we all looked up to him massively.”

Speaking about the devastating moment he found out about Liam’s death, Louis said: “In the car, in LA. I found out through Niall [Horan].

“I had the same feeling that I had with Felicity, and I think anyone has this when they’re around someone who’s struggling; my 150 per cent wasn’t nearly enough.

“And that’s when it’s my own arrogance thinking that I could have helped really, because it was so much deeper than what I could have done for him. He was definitely struggling at that time in his life.”

Liam had flown to Argentina with girlfriend Kate Cassidy for a five-day holiday, to see his ex-1D bandmate Niall Horan in concert.

Liam extended the trip but Kate returned home to the US.

It is claimed Liam then turned to drink and drugs.

One Direction were formed on The X Factor in 2010, with Louis and Liam being joined in the band by Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik, who quit the band in 2015.

The boys came third on the ITV show and went on to sell over 70 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling boy bands of all time.

LIAM Payne’s devastated sister has taken a swipe at people seemingly using his death for fame.

Just hours after his girlfriend at the time of his passing Kate Cassidy shared a video of her “last dance” with the late star on the anniversary of his death, Liam’s sister Ruth took to social media.

Taking a swipe about people “using his death for fame” in her moving tribute for Liam on the one year anniversary of his death, Ruth didn’t hold back.

“Everyone only seems interested in the public side of this.

“Some sadly seem more interested in the fame they can gain off this, but on the human side people need to remember when they speak, there is a son without his Dad, parents without their child and I am lost without my brother,” she said.

This comes after a video was shared of Liam lifting his girlfriend Kate Cassidy in a final dance before his tragic death.

Read More about Liam Payne

‘MY WORLD BURNED’

Liam Payne’s sister says she’s ‘paralysed by grief’ on death anniversary

HIS FINAL DAY

Liam Payne lifts girlfriend Kate Cassidy in final dance before tragic death

Heartbroken Kate, 26, posted a clip on social media on Thursday night of the ex-1D singer attempting to hoist her up.

On the one-year anniversary of Liam’s death in Argentina, Kate wrote: “This video was taken during the last hour and last day Liam and I shared in this lifetime.

“I am forever grateful for the beautiful moments we shared. I will miss you for the rest of my life Liam.”

Elsewhere in Ruth’s tribute for her late brother, she said: “1year, 12months, 52weeks, 365days… whichever way I say it, it still means the most heartbreaking truth that you’re not here any more.

“When you used to go away on tour, and l’d cry that you’d be gone for a while, I always knew you’d come back, but now I can’t get you home, I can’t meet up with you somewhere in the world, I can’t facetime or text to see how you’re doing, it’s an eternal homesick feeling because we can’t go back.”

She continued: “I underestimated grief, woah did I underestimate it.

“I am paralysed by it daily. I thought I had felt it before but I know the losses before you were just intense sadness, you are the loss of my life, the one person who l will miss at every single occasion in my life.

“I’d taken for granted that my little brother would be there through life, what a cruel lesson to learn in our 30s, that a sibling is not guaranteed to be a lifer, that I have to face this without you.”

Ruth went on: “Your death will never make sense, no matter how much I study it, whatever angle I look at it, it never makes sense. You shouldn’t have died. 

“I have a reoccurring nightmare where I am in your hotel room just before it happened and you can’t hear me screaming for you, my brain is locked on your last minutes on this earth, the unaccounted minutes, the minutes I will never have the answers to, the minutes that changed everything.

“So much has happened in a year, so much to tell you, our kids have changed massively, you would continue to be in awe of your son!

“I’ve definitely got funnier (I know you’re thinking how is that possible right?!) – some of the jokes I make really make me smile because I know they would have earned me a ‘ruuu’ off you, l’ve visited some beautiful places but each place has confirmed, no matter the view, I will still feel your void from all corners of the earth.”

NOT FINE

Warning to 5million drivers who risk LOSING their licence & £10k fine this October

THROUGH THE MILL

Shock twist for unlikely celeb couple Millie MacKintosh & Prof Green

She later added: “I think of my grief as a clock, I explained to you years ago when I was nagging you to be better at answering your phone, that my head was like the ‘Weasley’s clock’ out of Harry Potter, where it would check everyone in our family in before I could switch off and with you travelling the world, it’d really need your confirmation of being safe and sound before I’d settle. 

“Only now, there is a number missing off the clock, which means nothing in my days makes sense and it feels like noone is safe and sound.”

FORMER One Direction star Louis Tomlinson was duped by fraudsters in a £4million footie plot.

The Bigger Than Me singer became the face of Doncaster Rovers in the hope he could boost the profile of his childhood team and take them to the Premier League.

6

6

6

But the 33-year-old had the wool pulled over his eyes by a gang who stole millions from people’s retirement nest eggs.

Over two years £3.7million had been funnelled from hard-earned pension pots belonging more than 200 victims.

Prosecutors said the proposed Doncaster deal was used by the thugs to cover up the missing cash to cops.

As reported by the Mirror, criminal gang Kevin Phelan, Daniel Giles and Adrian Bashforth were all convicted last month and face jail time.

The trial at Leeds Crown Court heard Louis unwittingly became involved with the scammers in 2014.

At the gang’s trial, prosecutor Timothy Hannam KC said: “These defendants nicked money from people’s life savings.”

Former club chairman John Ryan enlisted Louis’ help to bolster support for Doncaster at the time.

The club was insolvent and staying afloat by Ryan’s loans and other investors.

Seqentia Captial SA tried to buy it twice, but deals fell through on both occasions.

Ryan also asked crook Phelan, 62, if he wanted to buy the club in 2013.

Louis later met with the gang at his Cheshire pad at the height of 1D’s fame in 2014.

Ryan transferred his 30 per cent shareholding to Sequentia and resigned as Doncaster chairman.

The proposed deal stated 70 per cent of Doncaster would be given to Belize-based Sequentia Capital SA if the takeover was successful.

Louis and Ryan would become the club’s public face while Sequentia would be a “silent participant”.

The One Direction singer started a fundraiser and aimed to rake in an eyewatering £6million from his fans and followers.

But the crowdfunder only raised £600,000 in the end, and £500,000 of that was from one of the fraudulent gang members.

The source of the offshore firm’s funds was “stolen pension money”, the court heard.

Phelan met Louis at his home in January 2014 and Daniel Giles texted the same day: “I’ve been interrogated for the last few hours over 1D boy. Kids want to come to the next meeting mate.

“I’m thinking 16 million brainwashed followers. Very very interesting.

“Let’s crack on now together and build a nice fighting fund.”

The deal would also see Louis take a 10 per cent stake in the club with the hopes they would reach the Premier League.

The singer would show his support at games and behind the scenes.

He met with Phelan and Giles, 51, at a One Direction concert in Dublin’ to sign the deal, however it didn’t go through due to the lack of funds raised.

Louis said at the time: “I’m gutted the Doncaster deal is not going ahead. I am desperate for the club to be given the recognition it deserves.

“I was told the deal to buy the club was not dependent on the money raised by Crowdfunding. Unfortunately I was misled.”

There is no suggestion Louis or Ryan knew about the pension fraud.

The defendants will be sentenced in January.

6

6

6

HARRY Styles takes the next step in his romance with Zoe Kravitz. 

The Sun revealed last month the pop star, 31, and actress, 36, were dating and now insiders say they are inseparable. 

4

4

4

As they left Newark airport in New Jersey this week, Harry wore jeans and Zoe was in all black.

Friends said they were invited to singer Charli XCX’s second wedding in Sicily today. 

The popstar first sparked romance rumours with Zoe last month when they were seen together in Rome.

The One Direction hitmaker, who was then spotted looking loved up with his partner in NYC last week, has now suggested they’re getting very serious very quickly.

Harry was seen enjoying a lunch date with Zoe where he met her music star father Lenny in New York‘s West Village.

They put on a united front, holding hands as they entered the Sant Ambroeus venue before Lenny, 61, arrived solo.

The Ain’t Over Til It’s Over hitmaker donned a red sleeveless top and skintight jeans, with a black back thrown across his body.

He pulled on a pair of sunglasses as he strode through the streets to the venue, ready to meet his daughter’s new love.

Meanwhile Caught Stealing star Zoe cut a chic figure in a black vest and matching silk skirt.

She left her hair in a natural style flowing over her shoulders while also opting for a pair of shades.

The Batman movie alum walked hand in hand with Night Changes vocalist Harry, who kept a serious expression ahead of the family get-together.

4

PERRIE Edwards has revealed how her ex Zayn Malik contacted her after his split with Gigi Hadid – and how her footballer fiance Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain reacted to this.

The Little Mix star’s very public engagement to first love Zayn, now 32, fell apart before millions of fans.

6

6

6

6

Just one year after Zayn found fame in One Direction on The X Factor, Perrie burst onto the scene on the same show in 2011.

Both teenagers at the time, they met when 1D returned to perform on the ITV singing contest that her band Little Mix went onto win.

Just months later, the young stars were a fully fledged couple, sharing sweet selfies from places like Disneyland.

But it was never plain sailing as Zayn was alleged to have cheated with an Australian waitress in a London club, and was later hit with more claims of infidelity.

In 2013, he demonstrated his commitment by getting a portrait of Perrie tattooed on his arm and even bought her mum a house in Dorset.

But in 2015, they split — and she was left devastated, with reports at the time that he had ended their almost four-year romance by text.

The ordeal inspired one of Little Mix’s biggest hits, the chart-topping Shout Out To My Ex.

‘TOXIC’ RELATIONSHIP

Now 32, the mother-of-one, who is happily engaged to her fiancé, footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. has discussed her “toxic” relationship with Zayn.

Speaking on this week’s Paul C. Brunson’s We Need To Talk podcast, she said: “I think definitely, at the time, I thought everything we experienced in our relationship was normal. Because it was my first relationship, first love.

“I was like, ‘Oh, this is how it’s supposed to feel. It’s supposed to feel a little bit toxic. In some ways, this is probably normal, right?’.

“And then, when I became single, I was almost thinking, ‘I never, ever want to go through that again’. I didn’t even want to meet anybody. I was like, that’s me done. I don’t think I could bear that pain.

“But now, I’m thinking, ‘Oh, that probably wasn’t good’. And I’ve noticed it a lot.”

Perrie also talked about how her past pain affected the early days of her relationship with Alex, who she started dating in 2017 – two years after her Zayn split.

“Like in the start of the relationship, I would handle things differently with Alex, and he’d come at it with such a level head that it would throw me,” she said.

On what kind of man Alex is, Perrie continued: “He’s very mature. He’s very laid back. He’s very level-headed.

“He’s not the type to get mad or get angry or get funny about things. It might sound boring to some, but it’s so unproblematic.”

6

6

ZAYN GETS IN TOUCH

Following his split from Gigi, Perrie said Zayn got back in touch with her – something that left her “uncomfortable”, especially when she had to tell Alex.

She shared: “My ex reached out and I didn’t know how to handle the situation. I’d only been with Alex like a year and a half, two years. And I felt a bit uncomfortable about it.

“And I remember sweating and panicking, thinking, ‘I’ve got to tell him that obviously I’ve spoken to him.’ And I would be terrified… And he was like, ‘Okay, well, I really appreciate you telling me, thank you for letting me know. That’s fine. Like, hopefully he doesn’t contact you again.’

“And I was thinking, ‘Okay, cool. That’s it.’”

HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Perrie is now embracing life as a wife-to-be, and a mother-of-one.

The singer and her fiance Alex welcomed their son Axel, four, in 2021, and the pair are enjoying being parents.

The footballer asked Perrie to marry him in 2022, when he got down on one knee on holiday.

The happy couple have been together since November 2016, although they didn’t make their relationship public until February 2017.

A ONE Direction fan caught up in a Zayn Malik ‘cheating’ scandal has finally spoken out after keeping quiet in 2012.

13 years after a “leaked call” circulated social media, an American fan – who is now a married mother ans successful makeup artist – has claimed that she is the woman who was caught up in the scandal that took place at the height of the band’s popularity.

5

5

5

5

In 2012, an audio clip of a man inviting a group of women up to his hotel room went viral.

At the time, fans claimed the man was Zayn, who was dating Perrie Edwards.

Due to the man on the call having a Northern accent and Zayn being from Bradford, fans were convinced it was him.

Another “clue” that left fans thinking the man on the other end of the call was Zayn was because he mentioned a friend called Harry who wanted “booty”.

At the time of the rumours swirling, Zayn did not address them.

But 13 years on, Tricia Corona has claimed she was the woman on the phone and detailed her version of events.

Taking to TikTok to describe meeting Zayn and the rest of the boys at a One Direction event at a Walmart store, she recalled: “We’re standing in line and Zayn’s making eyes at me.”

She then explained how her pals told her to give Zayn her number.

“Like the hoochie that I am – or that I was I should say because I’m a happily married woman now – I wrote my number down and I stuck it right in my bra,” she recalled.

She then claimed that as she reached the front the queue, Zayn said: “I like your jubblies [breasts].”

Tricia then recalled: “I pulled my number right out of my dress, slid it across the table and said ‘if you wanna hang out later – call me’.”

She the alleged that Zayn told bandmate Harry to put the note “in his pocket”.

Tricia then recalled how when she and her pals were driving home, she received a call.

“I answer and you can hear all of them yelling and giggling and talking,” she alleged.

“I say hello and they don’t say anything and hang up,” she went on.

Tricia then claimed that the prank call happened an “absurd amount of times”.

But then she allegedly got a call from Zayn at midnight asking her to join him at his hotel in Philadelphia. 

She agreed and her and her pals drove back.

“He’s calling me every two minutes ‘where are you? How far away are you? You have to be quicker – you have to get here fast because we do have to leave.’

“We finally get to Philly and he calls and he’s like ‘we left, we had to go, I told you. We’re going to New York City why don’t you come meet us there?’.”

Tricia then claimed Louis Tomlinson called her and said: “Don’t shoot the messenger, our tour manager has put his foot down and he says no girls back to the hotel tonight.”

Tricia then explained how she sent Zayn a text saying: “If you want to rebel against your babysitter tonight, let me know and we’ll still come.”

She then alleged that he replied saying: “F**k the babysitter, come anyway.”

Tricia and her friends then drove to New York and arrived at gone 2am.

Zayn allegedly then told hotel staff hat she was their makeup artist so she was allowed to their room.

Tricia claimed that no NDA [nondisclosure agreement] was involved but said her mother had heard the leaked audio and was upset – which is why she never spoke out at the time.

“It was not funny at the time,” she said, adding how Zayn had “his own stuff going on”.

Tricia added: “And yes he is a celebrity and all that but he is still very much a person and I didn’t want to throw him under the bus like that. 

“So you can use your imagination I guess about what happened when I got up there. 

“That’s the story of Crystabel Riley,” she concluded.

The Sun has reached out to Zayn Malik’s representatives for a comment.

Fans of the band, who were familiar with the leaked call from 13 years ago, were quick to react.

One person said: “I’VE BEEN WAITING YEARS TO HEAR STORIES LIKE THIS.”

Another added: “I have been waiting 13 years for this story.”

And a third wrote: “I never thought i’d ever be given this information. what a gift.”

5

Liam Payne fans have been left in tears just moments into Netflix’s Building The Band, his final project, which he filmed in the weeks leading up to his tragic death

Liam Payne fans have been left inconsolable as his final Netflix project has been released. Building The Band, which Liam filmed for Netflix just weeks before his death, has finally been released on the streaming platform.

The programme will show Liam at his best, helping other emerging musicians discover their talent and helping them navigate life in a band. But following his heartbreaking death in October last year, there had been speculation as to whether the show would still air.

Netflix later confirmed that they had shown the programme to Liam’s family, who had given their blessing and had watched the entirety of the show. On the programme, Liam sits alongside pal Nicole Scherzinger, who helped create mega-band One Direction when she was a guest judge on The X Factor, as well as former Destiny’s Child singer, Kelly Rowland.

As the show opened, host and Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean shared a very moving tribute to Liam. He said: “When we came together to film Building The Band, we never imagined we’d soon be saying goodbye to our friend, Liam Payne.

“Liam is a guest judge in later episodes and through his presence, we see his deep love for music and his unwavering commitment to helping others find their voice. It’s through that spirit that we dedicate this series to Liam and his family.” Since the first episode dropped earlier today, fans have taken to social media to share their heartbreak and tears.

One said: “I’m already broken.” A second went on to add: “I’m not strong enough to watch the show. The last work, the last performance, the last smile… I can’t do it, not yet. My mind keeps dragging me back to the pain, to the brutal truth that he’s gone. Maybe one day I’ll be brave enough but right now I just can’t.”

“I miss you so much, my love, wherever you are. I hope you’re being free and happy,” said another. Meanwhile, a fourth devastated fan typed: “You’re so deeply missed Liam.” Another commented: “Ahhh… I don’t think I can bring myself to watch Building The Band just yet. The trailer alone broke me, and I can’t even imagine how much harder the full show will hit. I’m sorry, Liam. One day, I promise. I’m so proud of you, and I know you were proud of it too.”

But in the first four episodes of the series, this is the only mention of Liam. As the credits rolled, the only judge who was named was Nicole Scherzinger.

As the fourth episode came to an end, host AJ revealed that the winning band would receive $500,000 as the cameras panned to Nicole and Kelly Rowland, with Liam being absent from the shot.

In October, Liam sadly died aged just 31, after falling from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the weeks leading up to his death, he had been in Manchester filming the series. Netflix had ensured that Liam’s legacy will be cemented on the programme and he will remain a firm key feature on the show.

A source said: “Even though Liam had filmed a substantial amount of material for the show, the decision was made shortly after his passing to continue the project, honour his legacy and amazing story as a One Direction member and bring this series to audiences.”

Building The Band episodes one to four are available to stream now on Netflix.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Liam Payne’s final work project, Netflix’s Building The Band, has finally been released for viewers and features an emotional tribute to the late musician who died last year

Liam Payne fans have been left disappointed as the first episodes of his final TV project, Building The Band, have been released. The late One Direction singer filmed the Netflix show last year, just weeks before his tragic death.

He had been holidaying in Buenos Aires, Argentina, when he sadly fell from the balcony of his third-floor hotel room and suffered injuries incompatible with life. But prior to his tragic death, Liam had been happily filming the series alongside his pal Nicole Scherzinger and Destiny’s Child star, Kelly Rowland.

The programme, which was a huge career move for the 31-year-old, saw him helping emerging musicians hone in on their talent and offering advice to them, something he was extremely passionate about. Today, the first four episodes of the series were released on the streaming platform.

But, there was only one mention of Liam, right at the start, during a moving tribute by host and Backstreet Boys star, AJ McLean. He said it when filming the show, they could have never expected to have lost Liam so soon after.

As the credits started to roll throughout the first four episodes, only one judge was credited – Nicole Scherzinger, meaning that Liam will feature in later episodes of the series.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan said: “I didn’t know that all four episodes of building the band were available, I thought only ep 1 is released. Is Liam in any one of them, or is he in the episodes that are gonna be released on the 16th?”

A second added: “The tribute to Liam Payne at the start of Building The Band is lovely, don’t get me wrong. But I expected to see a bit more of him in the clips.” Meanwhile, a third went on to tweet: “Building the Band has already premiered, and in these first 4 episodes, Liam hasn’t appeared yet, but there is a small tribute at the beginning.

“We will see Li as a judge in the second part, which premieres on JULY 16, the day that marks 9 months since the worst tragedy. I won’t be able to handle it.” Show runner, Cat Lawson has since praised Liam for his contribution to the show.

She said: “The show is dedicated to Liam. We all loved him and he was amazing in the show,” before explaining that his death last year had affected everybody he worked with on the programme, saying: “You get to know people really quickly [on these shows] and he was a glorious person.”

As the show opened, host and Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean shared a very moving tribute to Liam. He said: “When we came together to film Building The Band, we never imagined we’d soon be saying goodbye to our friend, Liam Payne.

“Liam is a guest judge in later episodes and through his presence, we see his deep love for music and his unwavering commitment to helping others find their voice. It’s through that spirit that we dedicate this series to Liam and his family.”

Episodes one to four of Building The Band are available to stream on Netflix, now.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Liam Payne is seen in new Netflix series Building the Band filmed just months before his tragic death in Buenos Aires that broke hearts around the world

Liam Payne’s grieving parents gave the OK for his final project to be aired on Netflix just nine months after his tragic death for a heartbreaking reason.

Late pop icon Liam Payne’s parents were overwhelmed with emotion and pride seeing their son become a mentor on Netflix’s Building the Band that they wanted the world to watch.

In their grief, dad Geoff and wife Karen gave the green light for Netflix to air the show as they felt “this is how we want everyone to remember Liam.”

Liam’s friend and fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger, said the One Direction singer will “shine” in his final ever project as she revealed how the late star worked overtime to help guide musical wannabes on their journeys to form bands for the streamer.

He felt a kinship to the talent given he had experienced being an auditionee one moment and then within 18 months becoming part of the biggest boy band ever.

Nicole became emotional as she discussed her experiences working with the English star, who died of “polytrauma” after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires last October.

She recalled how Liam sang a One D hit for his audiences and encouraged his fellow judges to perform tunes while on filming breaks.

Doubts were raised over the show moving ahead, but Nicole confessed that Liam’s parents felt his screen work needed to be seen and celebrated.

Nicole said: “Liam meant and means so much to all of us, and we were very obviously sensitive to the whole process. We ultimately left it into his family’s hands and wanted to respect how they felt about everything and how to move forward.

“And his parents were there during the filming. They were amazing. It was so wonderful.

“They were actually kind of sat right next to us through the whole process, and they’ve been with Liam and with us through this entire process.

“So to know that we had their blessing, to know that they were so proud of him on the show, they were like, ‘oh, yes, this is how we want everyone to remember Liam’”

Nicole, who famously put together One Direction on the X Factor series amid pushback from Simon Cowell, said of working with Liam: “I am so thrilled for everyone to see Liam shine on this show.

“I just know that he was in his happy place coming full circle, having started out in a similar situation on a talent reality show, and then having the global success that he has had, and then to be able to give back and to mentor and to help these bands. “I know that he really enjoyed our filming process and being a part of this process.

“I know that he put in the extra hours that he wanted to work with these bands even off screen.

“So when I think about Liam in the show, I’m thrilled for everyone to see his light. And he was amazing. Sometimes he would, I mean, I would be like, wow, ‘you just said that – that was awesome. I wish I said that. ‘

“He was really great at this role. He was giving back, and that’s one of his gifts.

“He was such a kind, caring heart, And like I said, and respect, he had the experience. He grafted with One Direction. He knows exactly what he’s talking about. “

Nicole recalled being sat alongside Liam as a judge was “crazy for me” because: “I still remember the day that I saw Liam auditioning on the X Factor we’re onto something.

‘But they did all the work themselves after that. And he had the global success that he had with One Direction in himself. It was a phenomenon, right? So for him to have achieved that success and then to be coming back and then giving that advice and mentoring these contestants was really cool for me to see.

“I don’t know if someone should write a book. It was really full circle and really, really beautiful.”

Nicole felt that many contestants had connections to her, Liam, with AJ McClean and Kelly Rowland.

‘It was awesome. It was really sweet, Liam, actually, I don’t know if the cameras were on or not, but when the cameras, when we were on a break, he actually sang. What Makes You Beautiful to his fans, because they were all freaking out that he was there. And he just loved it.

‘That was a special memory, and to be a part of that and to witness that,

‘Because the fans would make us do different things in the breaks.I sang, Kelly did something and then Liam talked us all tp put on a full show at concert. It was amazing. “

Nicole reflected on how she and Liam were perfect choices to judge the Netflix series.

“I started out really with a talent reality show and I was just myself. That’s the best advice I could always give is just leave with your heart and bring your balls of steel and let your talent speak for itself.”

Nicole spoke to US shows Access and ET to promote Building The Band.

Nicole, who just won the Tony Award for her portrayal of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, admitted that a Pussycat Dolls comeback is not being discussed.

It is the 20th anniversary of the band blasting into the charts with their debut hit.

“I can’t say anything right now. I’m still in Norma land, but I don’t think it’s off the table to say who knows what the future holds with the Dolls. “However when asked: “Do you all still keep in touch?”, Nicole played down the group rivalries and reacted: “Not currently.

“But I love the girls, And I guess in a weird way, if social media is keeping in touch when you’re liking and commenting on their socials, I guess that’s probably because everybody’s so busy and half of the girls, they’ve got children and everything and their own family, so they’re super busy.”

Every episode of Building the Band will be streaming on Netflix July 9.

Ruth Gibbins has shared her pride at her late brother Liam Payne’s appearance on Netflix’s Building the Band, which was filmed before his tragic death

Liam Payne’s sister Ruth shared her “immeasurable pride” after seeing her late brother in his final TV appearance. The late One Direction star, who tragically passed away at 31 last year after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina, features as a judge in the forthcoming Netflix series called Building the Band.

His sister Ruth Gibbins said she was “heartbroken” that he won’t have the opportunity to see himself on the show. Ruth shared on her Instagram Stories: “I didn’t know whether to share this, but it felt odd when I’ve raved about Liam’s work and achievements for the past 15 years.

“I’m heartbroken he never got the chance to see how brilliant he is in this show. He knew he had done a good job, we all told him this when we were at filming, but watching it back, wow!”.

Gibbins added: “You’re a star Liam, you always were and always will be. There are a range of emotions I felt watching this, but one of the main ones is immeasurable pride, always. Miss you more every day.”

Building the Band debuts on Netflix on July 9 and presenter AJ McLean has assured that the series is “unlike anything you have ever seen before”.

The Backstreet Boys singer stated last month: “Today’s most talented singers in the world will audition for each other and choose their own bandmates before ever seeing them.

“Our judge and mentor Nicole Scherzinger, and guest judges Kelly Rowland and the late Liam Payne, are from some of the biggest bands of all time. This show is all about one word: chemistry. And believe me: in a band, you really need some good chemistry.”

Liam had finished filming for the programme – which features singers aiming to form a band despite being kept in separate booths so they can’t see each other – several months before his tragic passing last October.

A summary for the series explains: “All they [the contestants] have to go on is musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit … with incredible performances, compelling drama, and one big goal – to find the next great music band – the stage is set for an unforgettable experience.”

Meanwhile, Liam’s mate DJ Fat Tony recently disclosed that he attempted to “help” the star with his addiction “demons”.

The 59-year-old musician – a recovering addict who has been sober for 18 years – told The Times Magazine: “I tried to help Liam Payne with his demons. He was incredible – a really close friend.

“There were so many amazing times where he got clean and sober. Not everyone makes it. It’s a real shame what happened, falling off the balcony. I’m devastated by it.

“Addiction is a big part of our industry. People see being sober and clean as more problematic than being drunk and high. They’ll help you on that drink and drug journey, but not on the sober journey.”

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: ‘Super effective’ portable neck fan is hands-free and keeps you cool on your commute

SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.

Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction’s camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.

Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: “Such an awful tragedy.

“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”

X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “lost for words”.

He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x”.

Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy.”

Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.

He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.

“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”

BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.

JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..

“We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..

“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP.”

Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a “top young man”.

He added: “You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.

“My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.

“10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x”

German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.

The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…”

American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.

Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.

“He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone…

“I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry…”

Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”

In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne.”

American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend.”

ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”

Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”

James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and kind soul”.

The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.

“I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”

Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.

Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall – who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I made in this industry”.

She said: “We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.

“Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we’d ‘make it’. I hope you are at peace now”.

Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a young girl.

Hollywood star Julia Roberts was in attendance at Old Trafford for Soccer Aid 2025, which sees an England team take on Soccer Aid World XI FC in a charity football match

Dermot O’Leary delivered a “profuse apology” to ITV audiences after Tyson Fury, the heavyweight champion, let slip some colourful language during a pre-match pep talk live on air for England’s Soccer Aid 2025 team.

The star-studded charity event at Old Trafford also saw silver screen icon Julia Roberts mingling with football legend Wayne Rooney during the annual fundraiser that pits an England squad against Soccer Aid World XI FC, all in support of Unicef.

In the throes of motivation, Fury, who took on the role of manager for the England team, couldn’t contain his passion in the dressing room speech as he dropped the seven-letter swear. He said live on ITV:

“Let them know how good we are. We are England. We are f****** Spartans. We are Spartans.”

Following the raw moment, presenters Alex Scott and Dermot O’Leary swiftly offered their apologies to viewers, with Scott commenting:

“What can I say about Tyson Fury? We do apologise for the swearing, but it is Tyson Fury, we don’t know what’s going to happen.”

READ MORE: Soccer Aid’s Sam Thompson speechless as he’s given shocking news live on airREAD MORE: Hollywood star Julia Roberts makes unlikely cameo at Soccer Aid as hosts speechless

Adding to Scott’s sentiment, O’Leary stated: “We do profusely apologise.”

However, some viewers remained angry that Fury had used the language in the first place, with some even demanding that he should not appear on our screen again. Taking their outrage over the pre-watershed moment to X, one user said: “Why bother getting Tyson Fury on #SoccerAid2025? Of course he’s going to swear constantly on TV.”

Noting that lots of people were getting angry about his use of the F-word, @brikka49 took the mick, saying: “Hi ITV… it’s totally disgusting that uneducated idiot Tyson Fury was allowed to swear at 18:25 in the evening on the lord’s day.

“He should never appear on TV again!”

And some were just outraged that other people were outraged. @96_mikeys said: “God forbid Tyson Fury swearing on Soccer Aid, and people moaning and groaning already! Because at no point in your sad little cretin lives have you ever heard someone swear before.

“Grow up”

Adding a Hollywood shine to Old Trafford was ‘Pretty Woman’ actress Roberts, a self-proclaimed Manchester United enthusiast, captured taking pictures and sharing a smile with Rooney, who not long after dazzled the crowd by netting England’s opening goal.

Other notable names wearing the England kit included ex-One Direction star Louis Tomlinson and celebrated Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah.

This year’s England team also welcomed Last of Us star Bella Ramsey, comedian Paddy McGuinness, ex-Manchester United player Gary Neville and singer Tom Grennan.

Last year saw England triumph with a 6-3 victory, marking the Three Lions’ first win in six years.

Soccer Aid was jointly established in 2006 by Robbie Williams to fundraise for children’s aid organisation Unicef. Since its inception nearly two decades ago, the charity match has raised over £106 million.

Sam Thompson gets emotional ahead of Soccer Aid which will see him play on the same team as ex-love Zara McDermott’s new boyfriend Louis Tomlinson

Playing with their football heroes is a dream come true for the stars taking part in Soccer Aid – but raising money for UNICEF is the real prize for stars including Sam Thompson and Louis Tomlinson. Since singer Robbie Williams created the event in 2006, over £106 million has been raised. This year’s match takes place at Old Trafford and will see Wayne Rooney playing for England alongside his former Manchester United teammates Gary Neville and Paul Scholes, plus Lionesses Jill Scott, Steph Houghton and Toni Duggan.

Joining them is a cool crew of celebs including Paddy McGuinness, Sam Quek and Tom Grennan. While the World XI team includes Richard Gadd, Edwin van der Sar, Martin Compston and Tony Bellew.

Sam has got a dual role: as well as playing on the pitch, he’s also been running and cycling 260 miles to hand-deliver the ball to Old Trafford and raise more money in a challenge called Matchball Mission for Unicef.

“One of the most special things about Soccer Aid for UNICEF is the togetherness that it brings out,” says Sam, 32. “I’ll never forget being sat at that training dinner table watching the television screens of UNICEF’s great work. People were shedding tears – everyone’s in it together. When we realised we’d helped to raise a record milestone of over £100 million since the game first began, the cheer that went up was bigger than the cheer of winning the actual game, which I think is quite telling.”

Tears also played a part when Sam crossed the finish line on Friday as he delivered the match ball to Old Trafford and got a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Kier Starmer.

He told the Mirror it’s “mad” that the Prime Minister said he was “inspiring”. “I can’t believe the prime minister knows my name,” Sam said. “I’m on double codeine and paracetamol… I am not going to lie, it hurts a lot,” Sam admitted as he walked to a nearby hotel.

The 32 year old, who has already raised over £1.5 million from the challenge, confessed: “I am totally broken – but so happy . The fact this challenge has grabbed everyone’s attention is just so incredible and I have just been blown away!”

And yesterday he was crying again on This Morning yesterday as he recalled the feat, telling Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley: “I’ve gotto stop crying! You’re making me so emotional, so many tears man.”

Soccer Aid host Dermot O’Leary is also returning and says half-time is his favourite part of the match because he gets to play pundit. “You have these special moments, it’s a laugh and you’re watching a game of football and you’re seeing goals,” says the 52-year-old.

Former One Direction star Louis lists playing with Ronaldinho as one of his greatest Soccer Aid memories, but for Jill, it’s buddying up with Football Factory star Danny Dyer that makes her day.

“He’s my type of player,” grins Jill, 38. “Strong tackles, probably swears a little bit too much, but I love that passion and football aggression!”

Soccer Aid for Unicef 2025 airs on Sunday at 6pm on ITV1. Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News, TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage.