Cher Lloyd pays heartbreaking tribute to Liam Payne as she reflects on their time together on X Factor

Cher Lloyd has penned a tribute following the death of her X Factor cast mate Liam Payne, who tragically died yesterday (16 October) after falling from a third floor hotel balcony in Argentina.

The father-of-one was just 31 when his death was confirmed by local police in the capital city of Buenos Aires yesterday.

Authorities called to the scene later told press that the musician's injuries were suffered as a result of the fall and 'proved to be fatal'.

He was in the South American country with girlfriend Kate Cassidy—who'd returned to the US prior to his death—to attend a show by former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan days earlier.

Since then, producers at The X Factor - the series upon which Payne and the rest of the band Niall, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik first found fame 14 years ago - penned a tribute to the star on X.

"He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world," the statement read. "Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him."

And now, Lloyd has added to the ever-growing list of celebrity tributes, taking to Instagram to share a snap of them together.

In the photo - presumably taken when the pair were filming the singing competition together - Lloyd and Payne could be seen looking at a phone together, with the former wearing her signature bow tie and the latter holding a microphone.

Lloyd, 31, wrote in the caption: "From being on the show together, visiting each others homes while filming, going on tour together and watching you achieve your dreams.

"I’ll cherish the memories made and the laughs we had. My thoughts are with your family and friends, with everyone who loves you."

The 'Want U Back' singer concluded her tribute by penning a special mention of the little boy Payne shares with former X Factor judge Cheryl: "My heart is breaking for your Son Bear. Rest in peace Liam."

Payne first auditioned for the show two years prior, when he was just 14.

Despite reaching the judges' house stage following his first performance of Frank Sinatra's 'Fly Me To The Moon', he was told by the series boss and record producer, Simon Cowell, to return two years later.

After doing so, he was placed into the boy band with fellow soloists Harry, Louis, Zayn and Niall.

During his time on the show, he met judge Cheryl, striking up a relationship with the ex-Girls Aloud singer in the years that followed and welcoming a son, Bear, with her in 2017.

The couple split a year later, and he has since been dating long-term girlfriend Kate Cassidy.