LIAM Payne allegedly flew into a drink and drug-fuelled fit of rage in his tragic final hours, according to sex workers who spent the day with the One Direction star.
Liam Payne plunged 46ft from his third-floor hotel room balcony nearly two years agoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe former One Direction singer allegedly contacted occasional sex worker Aldana Serrano, 32, after finding her on an escort siteCredit: UnknownShe brought friend Lucila Goitea, 29, to the hotel, where they had consensual sex with the singerCredit: TikTokInvestigators found Liam’s hotel room littered with white powder and ton foilCredit: Twitter
Sworn statements from call girls Aldana Serrano and Lucila Goitea were taken hours after the tragic fall.
Now the documents, obtained by the Mail on Sunday, detail harrowing accounts suggesting the singer was on a path to destruction that day.
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The pair say they were called to the CasaSur Palermo Hotel by Liam, 31, on the morning before he died and had consensual sex with him.
But they claim that the singer, who was worth £21m, became frustrated when it became difficult to pay for an agreed $5,000 (£3,700) fee as he had no cash.
Liam appeared in a fragile state of mind in the days leading up to his deathCredit: XThe singer allegedly destroyed his hotel room TV by punching it three timesCredit: Twitter
He allegedly smashed his £30,000 gold Rolex telling them he could “get ten of those,” before punching the hotel room TV three times.
After calming down, he is said to have fallen to his knees and asked the women to stay, claiming that “money didn’t make him happy”.
They say that Liam drunkenly serenaded them with his own songs before asking them for cocaine.
A toxicology report taken after his death revealed that the star had cocaine, alcohol and the powerful sedative Klonopin in his system at the time of the fatal fall.
Liam and Argentinian waiter Braian Nahuel Paiz, who is accused of supplying drugs to the pop starLiam’s close friend Rogelio ‘Roger’ Nores, left, with the former One Direction star in the days leading up to his deathCredit: Unknown
Hotel worker Ezequiel Pereyra, 22, and waiter Braian Paiz, 26, have been charged with supplying the drugs and are awaiting trial.
They spent months in jail but were later released on bail. They deny the charges.
He spent the first two weeks of the trip with girlfriend Kate Cassidy and Argentinian businessman Rogelio ‘Roger’ Nores, 38, and was said to be sober for the entire fortnight.
After Kate returned to Miami on October 14 and Roger also left, Liam is believed to have fallen off the wagon.
He was told to leave the plush five-star Park Hyatt after trashing his room and launching into an alleged drink-fuelled tirade at the staff.
Liam then checked into the more modest, four-star CasaSur Palermo, where he reportedly called the two sex workers.
Police and firefighters cordon off the Casa Sur hotel where Liam fell to his deathCredit: GettyFans appeared devastated as they waited for informationCredit: AFP
The women, who investigators treated as key witnesses, alleged Liam contacted one of them via WhatsApp after finding her profile online.
According to their statements, he sent photos of himself in bed at the hotel and a video to prove his identity after one of the women struggled to believe she was speaking to the One Direction star.
They say they arrived at the hotel around 11.30am where they showed their IDs to the front desk before being sent up to Liam’s room.
They said there was a communication barrier as the star only spoke English and they only spoke Spanish, so they relied on a translation app.
They claimed he initially tried to pay by international bank transfer, but they were unable to receive the money.
One woman said: “During our time there, we had sex with him, which was consensual sex, only once, and he wore protection.”
After spending around two hours in the room, the pair said they again asked to be paid the agreed $5,000 (£3,700).
Liam instead offered them his £30,000 gold Rolex, according to the statements.
One woman said: “We told him we only wanted money so he took it and smashed it. He told us he didn’t care about the money.
“And then he broke the TV, he punched it. He made us understand that he could smash everything because he knew he could pay for it.”
The women claimed they decided to leave, but Liam followed them downstairs into the hotel lobby, where they told staff he had smashed the television and refused to pay them.
While waiting in the lobby, they claimed Liam repeatedly paced around the hotel before returning to his room and then coming back downstairs.
The pair later returned briefly to collect belongings they had accidentally left behind.
One recalled: “He apologised for giving us a bad time.”
The women claimed they left shortly before 4pm and where Liam continued to act erratically.
Liam fell to his death at 5.07pm.
Aldana and Lucila only learned of Liam’s death after returning home and scrolling on social media, before police arrived later that evening to take their sworn statements.
LIAM Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy has revealed that she’s removing her tattoo tribute to the late star – but later admitted that she will get it redone in the future.
Kate, 27, has had a number permanent reminders in honour of One Direction star Liam, following on from his death on October 16 2024.
Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy revealed that she’s REMOVING a tattoo tribute to late starCredit: Instagram/ @kateecassLiam and Kate started dating in 2022Credit: Instagram
Liam died after falling from a hotel balcony while on holiday in Buenos Aires, Argentina, two years ago.
Since then, Kate has had a rose, angel wings, his initials LP and their angel number 444 tattooed on her to remind her of him.
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Taking to her Instagram story, the star, who dated Liam for two years before his death, shared a mirror selfie of her in the studio in Miami wearing some safety goggles.
Kate captioned the post: “Tattoo removal today,” with a white love heart emoji.
Kate shared a video of her ‘444’ tattoo getting zapped awayCredit: Instagram/ @kateecassLiam and Kate had been dating for two years when the singer passed awayCredit: Instagram/kateecass
In the next post she explained: “Decided to get some tattoos removed that were done poorly.
“Will be getting redone eventually.”
In the clip, Kate recorded the tattoo removal technician using their machine to zap away her ‘444’ inking – and the numbers have a special meaning.
Shortly after Liam’s death Kate declared the singer “her guardian angel” as she shared the details of their love letters.
Throughout the note, which is believed to be a manifestation pledge, he used the number 444 – which has now taken on a deeper, more resonant meaning than either he or Kate could have imagined.
Angel numbers are believed to have mystic vibrational patterns, which help people attune themselves to the universe and what they desire.
Liam vowed to marry Kate Cassidy before his deathCredit: @katecass / instagramKate pictured with their rescue dog Nala – which shows her angel wings tattoo on her fingersCredit: Instagram
It’s a practice that dates back to Ancient Greece, but is still used to this day by many who believe it offers them direction in life, or messages from the spiritual universe.
Kate, 25, revealed in the caption that they had planned their future and he wanted to get married “within a year”.
One photo showed the handwritten note from Liam, in which he wrote: “Me and Kate to marry within a year / engaged and together forever”.
His heartbroken girlfriend also described the singer star as someone who brought happiness to millions.
Calling Liam “the love of my life” and her “best friend,” she wrote in the tribute: “I don’t even know where to begin. My heart is shattered in ways I can’t put into words.
“I wish you could see the huge impact you’ve had on the world, even as it feels so dark right now.
“You brought so much happiness and positivity to everyone-millions of fans, your family, friends, and especially me. You are so incredibly loved.
“You are – because I can’t say were – my best friend, the love of my life, and everyone you touched felt just as special as I did. Your energy was contagious, lighting up every room you walked into.
“None of this feels real, and I can’t wrap my head around this new reality of not having you here.
“I’m struggling to figure out how to live in a world without you by my side. Together, we got to be kids again, always finding joy in the smallest things.
“Liam, you had the kindest soul and the most fun-loving spirit. It feels like I’ve lost the best part of myself. I can’t imagine a day without your laughter and love. You brought so much light into my life.”
She continued: “A few weeks ago, we sat outside on a beautiful evening manifesting our lives together.
“I keep your note close, even though you told me not to look at it.
“It said, ‘Me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged & together forever 444.’
“Liam, I know we’ll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned.
“You’ll always be with me. I’ve gained a guardian angel.
“I will love you for the rest of my life and beyond, carrying our dreams and memories with me everywhere I go.”
She ended the heartwrenching tribute, writing: “Forever yours, Katelyn 444.”
As the game began, the camera panned to the live audience who were watching the match unfold in Atlanta. However, BBC viewers were quick to notice a famous face in the crowd who was there to support the England squad.
Taking to X, one person said: “WAS THAT LOUIS TOMLINSON IN THE AUDIENCE. IT WAAASSSSS AAAAA.” Another wrote: “Louis Tomlinson is there. Oh my god.” Someone else commented: “LOUIS TOMLINSON SPOTTED AT THE #WorldCup”
A third shared: “Louis Tomlinson blessing our screens at the England game tonight was everything I needed.” While a fourth person wrote: “I’m already satisfied with the match cause I saw Louis Tomlinson in the crowd #WorldCup #England.”
The former One Direction star wasn’t the only famous face who was spotted in the crowd, either, as Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger was also there to support the team.
Elsewhere during the game, Argentina fans have caused outrage with viewers as they were heard booing during England’s national anthem before kick-off began, although the Three Lions supporters retaliated with boos of their own.
Recently, Thomas Tuchel came under fire for his comments made after the 2-1 match against Norway, as he made critiques on the technical side of England’s performance.
When an interviewer asked Jude Bellingham what he thought of his manager’s remarks, he replied: “Yeah, well… whatever. Whatever. It’s difficult out there. It’s a tough shift.”
Discussing the comments, Thomas Tuchel told The Guardian there is no issues between them as he said: “Our comments come from the same place – from being competitive and having the edge when competition is on.
“He [Bellingham] was just confronted with a critique of my side. I [also] called him a world-class player. I said he had world-class actions again to decide the match. I said the mentality is outstanding of this team. All of that was not part of the question.
“I would maybe also bite back when I come from 120 minutes, score two goals and give literally everything that is in my body. It’s just a very normal reaction for a player of his mindset. So no problem.”
The World Cup final airs on Sunday, July 19, on BBC One from 8pm
A VERY famous boy band star has been spotted casually shopping at duty free in the airport — but would you have spotted him?
The Irish hunk, 32, was standing at the counter purchasing his goods when he turned around and caught the fan filming him on their phone.
A very famous boy bander has been spotted casually shopping at duty free in the airport — but would you have spotted him?Credit: tiktok/@de_nice_onesA fan shared a video of Niall Horan shopping at the airportCredit: tiktok/@de_nice_ones
Niall is a former member of the huge boy band One DirectionCredit: SplashThe singers met as contestants on The X Factor where they were formed into world-famous boyband One DirectionCredit: AlamyNiall recently spoke about the pain he’s living with after Liam Payne’s early death.Credit: SplashNiall recently opened up on the possibility of a One Direction reunionCredit: Getty
Fans flocked to the comment section confirming his identity, with one penning: “Yeah that’s definitely Niall.”
A second added: “I get literally second hand embarrassment here Help.”
“This is definitely Niall,” a third wrote, as Another commented: “HAHAHAHAHA oh my God I would hide anywhere.”
“The boys are very good at noticing cameras!!!” noted a fifth.
“I’m glad of that, it means my last memory of him was happy,” he told The Times.
“It still feels surreal. On day one I was, like, ‘Nah, it didn’t happen.’ Our friendship was a bond that was there for ever even if we hadn’t seen each other for a while and it’s wild that one day, like the flick of a switch, he’s gone.”
Niall also said he has stayed in contact with Liam’s family.
Harry Styles was joined on-stage by his rarely-seen sister Gemma in an emotional moment during his final Wembley gig over the weekendCredit: UnknownThe siblings shared a sweet hug as Gemma surprised him – sharing how proud she isCredit: Unknown
She said: “This is the last place I thought I’d be! But my little brother is about to finish a record breaking 12 nights at Wembley.
“I don’t think of you like this in day to day life. I think of you as a brother, as an uncle, a best friend.
“The community that’s been formed around you is just indescribable, thank you to everyone been here with you over the past 12 nights and last 16 years.
Harry had a 12-night residency at Wembley, which ended over the weekendCredit: Anthony PhamHarry was clearly touched by the sweet speech from his sister, who described him as a ‘best friend’Credit: UnknownThe pair have a close bond, with Gemma rarely seen in the spotlight despite her brother’s massive successCredit: Instagram / @gemmastylesGemma also asked the audience to help her congratulate Harry on his historic 12 night eventCredit: gemmastyles/Instagram
“Since I left you over the wall over there. I was like ‘are you gonna be okay, small person’ and now we’re here.
“I’m so proud of you and not just proud because you’ve done things like this, which nobody does.
“I’m proud of who you are and who you allow other people to be.
“The impact you’ve made on so many not least on us who get to love you and what a privilege that is.
“Thank you for being you.”
Gemma then asked the audience to help her congratulate Harry on his historic 12 night event as the siblings warmly embraced each other.
Harry sang the song Two Ghosts, which is widely believed to be about Taylor, after NOT performing it at any of his prior Together Together gigs at Wembley stadium.
Reacting to Harry’s seemingly brazen tribute, one person said on X: “TWO GHOSTS WHILE TAYLOR IS GETTING MARRIED IS CRAZY.”
“COMPLETELY CRAZY! Harry pulling a chorus of ‘Two Ghosts’ with the fans today at #TogetherTogetherLondon,” said a second.
“ON TAYLOR’S WEDDING DAY he isn’t innocent,” penned a third.
Harry last crooned the song on June 16 when he performed an orchestral rendition of the track at the Meltdown Festival in London.
But fans were still left taken aback by it being included in his Together Together gigs, as it has not been part of any setlist on this specific run of shows before.
The reason Harry was not at the wedding, was not because of any lingering bad blood between the exes – because they’re actually on good terms – but because he is currently on his Together, Together tour.
Harry Styles wrapped up his 12-night Wembley residency last night and paid an emotional tribute to Liam PayneCredit: X/@hsdtogethertourHe spoke about all of his One Direction bandmates while on stageCredit: Getty – Contributor
As he reflected on his career, Harry touched on being in the group One Direction, and name checked each of the boys – including Liam who sadly died in October 2024.
Harry thanked all four band members before singing Carla’s Song.
According to concert goers and various videos circulating online, Harry said: “I wanna thank Niall, Zayn, Louis and my dear friend Liam.
“Nights like these couldn’t happen without every friendship, I wouldn’t be up here without my friends and family, some of who are here tonight.”
HARRY Styles is looking at New Orleans for his wedding to Zoe Kravitz, it can be revealed.
Pals close to the loved-up pair say they think the Southern US town could be a special spot to tie the knot and have researched venues.
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Harry Styles is looking at New Orleans for his wedding to Zoe Kravitz, pictured pair in New York in MarchCredit: GettyThe loved-up couple have been dating since August last yearCredit: Getty
Zoe’s famous musician dad Lenny Kravitz has long-standing roots in the town after buying his first home in the Louisiana town, which has deep ties to the blues music scene.
Back at home, the One Direction star, 32, and US actress, 37, this weekend enjoyed London’s heatwave and were snapped cuddling on a picnic blanket on Hampstead Heath.
They confirmed their engagement to close family and friends in April.
A source said: “Harry and Zoe might have a string of celebrity friends and a Hollywood lifestyle but their wedding won’t be like that.
“Zoe’s family ties to New Orleans, plus the town’s musical history, is making it a front runner and they’ve told pals that they’re looking at options for holding their big day there.”
Rock icon Lenny bought his first home in New Orleans in 1994 – a Creole cottage on Dauphine Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, a block away from the town’s famous Bourbon Street.
Whilst Zoe grew up in Los Angeles with her mother Lisa Bonet, in her teenage years she spent more time with Lenny at his Miami estate and New Orleans cottage.
A source said: ‘Harry and Zoe might have a string of celebrity friends and a Hollywood lifestyle but their wedding won’t be like that’Credit: GettyStunning actress Zoe recently starred as Catwoman in The BatmanCredit: Getty
Ex-One Direction singer Harry and Zoe, who played Catwoman in The Batman, have dated since August last year.
They went public with their relationship in Rome but have since kept matters private and not commented on their status.
Harry is said to have popped the question with a ring worth up to £500,000 and first sparked engagement rumours when he and Zoe flew to the Bahamas just after Christmas to stay in her dad’s home there.
A source said at the time: “If it wasn’t an engagement, then it was something that shows they are very much committed to each other.”
HARRY Styles has some tricky steps to negotiate in his £30million mansion project — restoring a rotten staircase.
The former One Direction singer is paying experts to return the 300-year-old feature to its former glory as he turns three properties into one huge home.
Harry Styles has some tricky steps to negotiate in his £30million mansion project — restoring a rotten staircaseCredit: ErotemeThe former 1D singer is dating US actress Zoe KravitzCredit: Getty
The staircase revamp could delay the renovation project, which is slated for completion by October 2027.
A source said: “Harry doesn’t do anything by halves.
“This is a very ambitious project so there are bound to be stumbling blocks.
“The staircase is the latest snag but it’s a lovely period feature and he’s going to get the very best craftsmen to make it as good as new.
“It will take a while because it has to be taken apart piece by piece, restored and then put back in place, so it could well affect the deadline.”
In planning documents, Harry’s team say the condition of the 1734 staircase has deteriorated and it had some “poor-quality repairs” over the years.
He has appointed heritage carpentry experts to assess the best way to restore the feature.
Loved-up Harry and Zoe strolling in New York togetherCredit: GettyHarry is merging Georgian and 18th-century properties in Hampstead, North LondonCredit: Getty
HE stands to inherit his late dad Liam Payne’s £21million fortune, but nine-year-old Bear might not see a penny until he is at least 25.
His mum Cheryl Tweedy wants the legacy to be withheld until the lad is old enough to make informed financial decisions.
Cheryl, who was named an administrator of Liam’s asset, wants Bear to not gain full access to Liam Payne’s £21million fortune until he is much olderCredit: GettyBear is to be the sole beneficiary of the tragic singer’s £21million fortune
She has gone all out to protect their son since he was born in 2017, shielding him from the public eye in a bid to give him as normal a childhood as possible.
And she is keen not to expose him to the pressures of having such huge wealth at his young age.
High Court probate documents published over the weekend confirmed Bear is the sole beneficiary of his father’s fortune.
Parts of the estate — which includes the five-bedroom home at Chalfont St Giles, Bucks, that Liam bought for £3.25million in 2021 to be closer to his son following his split from Cheryl — can be used immediately to look after Bear’s needs.
However, Cheryl, who was named an administrator of Liam’s assets last year, would prefer he does not gain full access until he is much older.
“Protecting Bear is Cheryl’s priority in life,” a friend explained. “She is a devoted mother and will do everything she can to take care of him.
“Cheryl knows how difficult it can be to live in the public eye and has shielded Bear from that as much as she can.
“Inheriting this amount of money at a young age is enough to have the potential to send anyone sidewards — and that is what she wants to protect Bear from.
“She is going to stop him receiving Liam’s inheritance until he is at least 25 years old, if not older.
“For Cheryl, she feels that she wants Bear to be of an age where he can make informed decisions about the money.”
It was not until 2016 that they started dating, and Bear was born the following year.
The fortune can be used immediately to look after Bear’s needsCredit: Refer to CaptionCheryl never shows Bear’s face in social media photosCredit: Cheryl/Instagram
Their relationship ended in 2018, with Cheryl and Liam becoming devoted co-parents to their young son.
In a statement following their break-up, Liam wrote online: “We still have so much love for each other as a family.
“Bear is our world and we ask that you respect his privacy as we navigate our way through this together.”
In the years that followed, Liam regularly praised Cheryl’s ability as a mother and revealed she had stayed at home with their son while he pursued his solo music career.
He said of the former Girls Aloud star: “What I’ve learnt about being a dad is how hard it is to be a mum and she hasn’t had any help from anybody and she’s done it all herself.
“She supported me going off and doing my career and stuff. She is amazing.”
Cheryl, too, spoke fondly of Liam and revealed becoming a mother had changed the way she wanted to live her life. She said in 2019: “Everything changed for me from the moment Bear was born.
“My old brain came out of my head, and all my worries, anxieties and feelings of emptiness went, and a new brain replaced it.
Cheryl and Liam started dating in 2016 and Bear was born the following yearCredit: Refer to sourceThe couple split in 2018 but remained dedicated parents to BearCredit: PA:Press Association
“I knew the word ‘fulfilled’, but I’d never known what that felt like.
“Money, fame, success should have made me feel that, but they never did, which is probably why I looked for it in my relationships with men, but that never worked either.
“I was always angry at myself.
“And then, even though I’d had a really tough pregnancy because I had gestational diabetes, I felt more peaceful. The moment I held him in my arms I had that feeling: Fulfilment. It’s stayed with me. And I’ve changed so much. I really have.”
Together, Cheryl and Liam chose to keep their son out of the spotlight and, to date, the schoolboy is rarely seen.
She also continued to keep his face shielded from view, a decision she made with Liam when Bear was still a small child.
A friend explained: “Giving her son a normal and happy childhood is what Cheryl remains focused on.
“She wants him to have a life that other kids have. His parents might have been public figures, but Bear is not. Keeping that normality and stability for her son is paramount for Cheryl.
“It’s why the idea of him inheriting such a vast amount of money is worrying. Not everyone in this world has good intentions and Cheryl knows that.
“She wants him to still have ambition and the drive to succeed without the back-up of the money — and she’s aware that people may want to befriend him because they are aware of his situation.
“Guiding her son and controlling his access to the money will allow her to keep him safe. The older he is, the more wise he will be and, ultimately, when he is a man in his twenties with a job and a life of his own, he will be better able to make informed decisions with her guidance.
One Direction star Liam died suddenly in October 2024 without leaving a willCheryl and Liam chose to keep their son out of the spotlightCredit: Getty
“It is all any mother would want for their child.”
The singer fell to his death from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in October 2024.
An autopsy confirmed he died from multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding.
He had been with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy in the days leading up to the tragedy. She left the country to return to the house they shared in the US days before Liam died. Two men were arrested on suspicion of supplying him with cocaine before his death.
Liam’s body was repatriated to the UK for his funeral in Amersham, Bucks, which was attended by his closest friends and family.
Liam’s One Direction bandmate and close friend Niall Horan spent time with him in Argentina prior to his death after Liam flew there to watch him perform.
Liam’s passing at the age of 31 only fuelled Cheryl’s determination to allow their son to live a normal lifeCredit: Alamy
Three weeks ago, he spoke movingly about Liam and said he will cherish their last meeting. Niall revealed: “I’m glad of that, it means my last memory of him was happy. It still feels surreal.
“On day one I was, like, ‘Nah, it didn’t happen’. Our friendship was a bond that was there for ever, even if we hadn’t seen each other for a while.
“And it’s wild that one day, like the flick of a switch, he’s gone.
“All our families are in touch, they shared those experiences, too.”
Recalling the good times he shared with Liam, Niall added: “When I think of Liam’s passing, there is sadness, but it also makes me laugh because of the memories we had.
“I’ll go to places and think of something random that makes me laugh.”
In the days before the service, Cheryl issued a statement about Liam, saying: “As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being.
“Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our son.
“A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.”
She added: “Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.
“Please give Liam the little dignity he has left in the wake of his death to rest in some peace at last.”
Since then, friends say Cheryl has devoted her time to caring for Bear and is determined to give him stability.
“Cheryl loves being a mum and doing all the normal things that parents do,” a pal explained.
“The school drop-off and pick-up, play dates with friends, cooking the dinners — she does it all while juggling work commitments.
“Cheryl knows there will be interest around Bear because of who his parents are. But that doesn’t mean he has to live that life — or even have any part in it. Protecting him from that and caring for him is all she cares about.
“She is a mother first and foremost. Her son will always be her number one priority.”
AS the biggest heart-throb on the planet, Harry Styles is the last person you’d expect to be ringing in New Year alone.
But the pop superstar has revealed how he “shut out” the world after struggling to live up to the “perfect” image his fans projected on to him.
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Harry Styles has opened up about becoming a hermitCredit: Anthony PhamHarry kicked off a record-breaking 12-night run at Wembley on FridayCredit: Anthony Pham
In a candid new interview, the 32-year-old, who kicked off a record-breaking 12-night run at Wembley Stadium on Friday, said: “I was supposed to spend New Year’s with friends and I landed in Italy and felt really unwell, so I just went home.
“And I woke up and I had this kind of beautiful New Year’s by myself. I was feeling the most alone I’d felt in a really long time, but in the most beautiful way. I didn’t feel lonely at all.”
Harry added that he became a “hermit” after his last tour ended in 2023.
Flying into Italy for a “quiet time”, he rejected all invites as he recuperated from the gruelling Love On Tour series of live shows.
In an interview on the Q With Tom Power podcast, Harry said: “I was just feeling myself kind of shut out from a lot of the world.
“I think I got used to saying no to invites from friends and maybe a weekend trip or a birthday party or something.
“I just got used to, you know, if I have a week at home, I don’t want to go somewhere else for three days. I just want to stay home.
“And when I got to Italy and was in this quiet place, I felt like, ‘OK, if I’m going to spend all this time out here and I’m going to keep saying no to everything, I’m just going to shut myself off from the world’.”
Together, Together tour is currently making history at London’s WembleyCredit: Anthony PhamShania Twain as support actCredit: Anthony Pham
Harry released his latest album — Kiss All The Time. Disco Occasionally — in March and it immediately shot to No1 in the charts.
And his Together, Together tour is currently making history at London’s Wembley.
But the As It Was singer admits that he struggled to live up to his fans’ adoring perception of him, saying: “I had this relationship with my own image where people had this projected version of me that was perfect.
“And when the standard you hold yourself to is this perfect person, it’s impossible not to feel like you’re falling short.”
He confessed that any criticism could take a devastating toll, saying: “If you don’t feel great about yourself and someone says you’re terrible, it’s like the claw is in and it’s ripping you.
“But if you have a more solid sense of yourself, you can hear those things and it doesn’t destroy you in the same way.”
It is a frank admission from a man who has conquered the world of pop, and America, after spending half his life in the glare of the global spotlight.
Harry was 16 when he stepped on to The X Factor stage in 2010, where music mastermind Simon Cowell grouped him with four other hopefuls to form One Direction.
What followed was global hysteria. And as the breakout star of the record-breaking boy band, Harry was propelled from a quiet Cheshire upbringing into a whirlwind of stadium tours and platinum records.
He then defied the odds to build a critically acclaimed solo career, with hits such as Watermelon Sugar, and a £235million fortune, according to the Sunday Times Rich List.
But during his period of isolation in Italy, Harry realised that avoiding the downsides of global fame also meant missing the best parts of life.
He added: “You can sit at home and think it’s hard for me to do these things — people are looking at me, taking pictures. But when you shut out those things that might be negative, you also shut out a ton of positive things.
Harry added that he became a ‘hermit’ after his last tour ended in 2023Credit: GettyHarry also said that he has spent the past two years learning to love himself and accept that he can make mistakesCredit: Getty
“If you think it’s hard to go to a bar and hang out with friends because people might act a certain way, there are also incredible people you could meet in that bar that you’re shutting out.”
Taking his own advice and stepping back into the world clearly paid off.
It was during this period that Harry met his fiancée, US actress Zoe Kravitz.
The couple, who began dating in late 2025, are reportedly planning a small wedding in London this winter.
Harry also said that he has spent the past two years learning to love himself and accept that he can make mistakes.
He said: “I’m still figuring a bunch of stuff out and it’s OK to have a little self-compassion around making mistakes. For a long time, I struggled to admit when I’d made a mistake because the reward when you meet people’s expectations is so loud and shiny.”
Ultimately, Harry believes that taking a step back from the spotlight saved him.
He reflected: “Having time to sit at home and be bored and really look at the emotions I was feeling allowed me to lean into them instead of being afraid of them.
“And it means I’m now in a much healthier place than I was last time I was putting music out.”
Now back on the road, he wants his latest dance-pop record to be less about his personal life and more about his fans’ experiences.
He said: “With this record, I want the listener in the front seat and I’m in the seat behind you.
“It’s not really about me or what clubs I’m going to or who I’m hanging out with — it’s about you having your own experience.”
He smashes first of historic 12 nights
EVER the charismatic charmer, Harry pranced around the stage with mammoth energy and gusto on the opening night of his record-breaking, 12-night, homecoming residency at Wembley.
He even laid on a special treat for his mum Anne Twist, with her favourite singer, Shania Twain as his support act.
The country music legend’s vocals were flawless and she warmed the crowd up well with her hits Man! I Feel Like A Woman! and That Don’t Impress Me Much.
But the gig, which marks the release of Harry’s fourth album – the eccentrically-titled Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally – was all about the pop heart-throb.
He has a relaxed air about him now. It is far from his first rodeo, yet performing for 80,000 fans is no mean feat.
Harry was feeling the love and in a grateful mood, twice referencing X Factor – the show which catapulted him to global fame – and his family, who were watching from the crowd.
He said: “Just outside of this building 16 years ago, my sister brought me to London for the very first time for my X Factor audition.
“So driving here today, and anytime I come through Wembley, means so much to me. It was in that building that I was put into a band, my sister is here tonight. It means a lot to be here tonight.”
He added: “My mum entered me into the X Factor without me knowing and I wouldn’t be here today if she hadn’t done that, so thank you so much. You changed my life, all of you, so thank you so, so much.”
Harry’s devoted fans performed their own dance routines to his songs, above, which involved lying on the ground in formation to the joyful Fine Line and doing a mass conga to the electric Treat People With Kindness.
One thing’s for sure, Harry’s certainly at home on stage . . .
Ariana risk for musical
Ariana Grande is set to drop out of musical Sunday In The Park With GeorgeCredit: Getty
RUMOURS are sweeping theatreland that Ariana Grande is set to drop out of musical Sunday In The Park With George.
The singer was due to appear opposite her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey at London’s Barbican Centre next summer, but ticket sales have been delayed until autumn.
I’m told that bosses have also met with actresses who could step in to replace Ariana, who last week kicked off her energetic Eternal Sunshine Tour.
A source said: “Ariana has a lot on her plate and there are concerns she is over-subscribed.
“It’s too risky to start flogging tickets until it’s all locked down. It will be a demanding production with eight shows a week.”
In the last few years, Ariana has transformed herself into a fully-fledged actress as Glinda in the Wicked films.
She will appear in the 13th series of American Horror Story and will voice a character in the 2028 animation Oh, The Places You’ll Go!.
Ariana, whose tour includes a ten-night residency at London’s O2 Arena in August, said: “I’m very excited to do this small tour. But I think it might not happen again for a long, long time.”
I hope we do get to see her treading the boards . . .
Wa-Haye David
David Haye is active on Raya looking for a third to join him and girlfriend Sian OsbourneCredit: supplied‘I’m a selfish prick, nothing is ever good enough. I always want more, rarely satisfied. But I’m working on it’, says DavidCredit: Instagram/davidhaye
The ex-boxer posts with a tux snap: “I’m a selfish p***k, nothing is ever good enough. I always want more, rarely satisfied. But I’m working on it.”
Isle Of Wight Festival headliner Lewis CapaldiCredit: Getty
THE Isle of Wight Festival kicks off on Thursday with some surprises in store.
As well as headliners Calvin Harris, The Cure and Lewis Capaldi, chief John Giddings says: “We’ve introduced new areas, the Last Chance Saloon, our country music destination, and new onsite pub Wild Horses.”
Liam Payne and Niall Horan met on The X Factor when they were both put into the group One DirectionCredit: Getty – ContributorLiam sadly died in 2024Credit: AFP
“I’m glad of that, it means my last memory of him was happy,” he told The Times.
“It still feels surreal. On day one I was, like, ‘Nah, it didn’t happen.’ Our friendship was a bond that was there for ever even if we hadn’t seen each other for a while and it’s wild that one day, like the flick of a switch, he’s gone.”
Niall also said he has stayed in contact with Liam’s family.
The lads rose to fame together in One DirectionCredit: GettyNiall opened up on grieving Liam’s deathCredit: Getty
“All our families are in touch, they shared those experiences too,” he said.
The Irish lad also wrote a song for Liam on his new album, Dinner Party.
“I think it’s his type of song, he liked Coldplay, he loved songs like You & I by One Direction, songs that went somewhere,” Niall explained adding, “It’s funny, actually, now you say that, thinking about the stuff he liked.”
He also described the “light and shade” of his grief over Liam’s death.
Niall has a song on his new album for LiamCredit: GettyThe album is also a tribute to his girlfriend Amelia WoolleyCredit: Getty
“When I think of Liam’s passing, there is sadness, but it also makes me laugh and smirk because of the memories we had. I’ll go to places and think of something stupid in a hotel or something random that makes me laugh,” Niall said.
“We always had good fun in Australia because we were able to get out and go to the beach. Liam wasn’t too bad at surfing. I can barely swim.”
On a lighter note, Niall also opened up on the possibility of an One Direction reunion.
“God knows. I mean look at Harry there, look at Louis, the boys are flying, so God knows, but everyone still asks about it, it’s exciting.”