Topics: Celebrity, Liam Payne, Music, News, TV And Film
Ant Middleton was shocked after being asked a question about Liam Payne live-on-air right after finding out about his death.
It was confirmed last night (16 October) that 31-year-old former One Direction star died after falling from a third floor hotel room balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Officials have since released statements surrounding Payne's death detailing that 'the injuries he had suffered as a result of the fall proved to be fatal'.
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Tributes have since flooded in for Payne including from his former bandmate Harry Styles' mum and the official X Factor social media pages.
The news of Payne's death shocked the world and among those was Middleton, who is best known for appearing on the Channel 4 show SAS: Who Dares Wins.
Middleton, who became 'good friends' with Payne after they appeared on the TV programme Ant Middleton & Liam Payne: Straight Talking together back in 2019, had been doing an interview with Australian outlet Channel 7 News when he was asked about the 'What Makes You Beautiful' singer's death.
A presenter asked him: "We know that you are here to talk about this other project, but we’re going to put that to one side for just a moment, because we have to get your thoughts on the news of Liam Payne.
"You’ve only just heard this news yourself."
Noticeably shocked by what he had just been asked, Middleton took a moment to compose himself before referring to Payne as a 'good friend'.
"Yeah I speak to Liam quite often, he’s a good friend of mine. And, wow, I’m shocked, this is obviously the first I’m hearing of it," he shared.
After the presenter offered her condolences Middleton continued: "I don’t really know what to say about that. I’m going to have to make sure that I reach out to the relevant people to find out what’s happened to my good friend.
"But I’m away filming at the moment as you can see, that’s why I’m wet and there’s a bit of noise around me.
"But yeah, my condolences and I hope they find out what’s gone on."
Middleton later opened up about filming Straight Talking alongside Payne later on in the Channel 7 broadcast.
"After we filmed Straight Talking with Ant Middleton, we formed a brotherhood.
He was like a younger brother to me. He would confide in me, I’d go round and see him," he recalled.
"There were some issues there, but nothing that a young celebrity at his calibre wouldn’t suffer from. So I’m just shocked at the moment really, wow. Yeah. Don’t really know what to say."
Middleton's since taken to social media to also share a tribute to the late singer, writing: "That was some sunset you captured there mate! A talented positive man with a good heart. I’m glad our friendship flourished and that I was someone you could confine in.
"Your turn to look over me now bro! Luv ya and will miss you sorely… My sincere condolences to @liampayne family during these unimaginable times."
