The X Factor issues official statement after One Direction star Liam Payne dies aged 31

The X Factor has released a statement following the shock death of One Direction singer Liam Payne.

The 31-year-old died yesterday (16 October) after falling from the third-floor balcony of the hotel he was staying at in Buenos Aires.

Emergency services that were called to the scene reported that the father-of-one's injuries were suffered as a result of the fall, and 'proved to be fatal'.

Liam has died, aged 31 (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Local police confirmed his passing yesterday.

Emotional tributes from fellow stars and fans have since come flooding in, with many praising Payne's biggest achievements.

Now, The X Factor - the singing competition which Liam found fame on alongside bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan back in 2010 - has since released a heartbreaking tribute to the musician.

Sharing a picture of the singer on the ITV series' official X account, a statement read: "We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne.

"He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world.

"Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him."

Alongside his former bandmates - who went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016 before he launched his own solo career in the years that followed - Payne was one of the voices behind the likes of 'What Makes You Beautiful', 'Kiss You', 'Night Changes' and 'Best Song Ever'.

His solo singles included 'Polaroid' and 'Strip That Down'.

Prior to joining One Direction, however - the band put together by The X Factor boss and manager Simon Cowell - Payne had previously auditioned for the show.

Aged just 14, he performed Frank Sinatra's 'Fly Me To The Moon' before sailing through to the next round.

Upon reaching the judge's houses, however, he was advised to return to school and audition some years later.

Two years later, he re-auditioned - selecting Michael Buble's 'Cry Me A River' as his song - and was joined with fellow soloists Harry, Louis, Zayn and Niall.

Liam and Cheryl share a son (Karwai Tang/WireImage)

During his time on the show, he met judge Cheryl Cole.

The two later struck up a relationship in the years that followed, and their son Bear was born in 2017.

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

He was in the South American country to attend a show of former bandmate Niall Horan earlier this month.

None of his former bandmates - nor Simon or Cheryl - have yet released a statement.

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