Simon Cowell has reportedly stepped down from Britain’s Got Talent auditions following Liam Payne’s death.
The One Direction singer tragically died after falling from a balcony at the hotel CasaSur in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
He had been in South America to attend a show of former bandmate Niall Horan earlier this month, having been seen dancing in the crowd alongside girlfriend Kate Cassidy, who travelled home to Florida two days before his death.
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In the wake of his death, Britain’s Got Talent cancelled auditions in Blackpool that had been due to take place with Simon Cowell.
Applause Store, the studio behind the show, said in a statement: "Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, BGT has decided to postpone today's auditions in Blackpool.
"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."
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The Britain’s Got Talent press team also told Tyla yesterday: "Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, we have decided to postpone the Britain’s Got Talent auditions.
"Our thoughts are with Liam’s friends, family and all who loved him."
According to The Sun, a ‘shocked’ Cowell has now stepped back from the show’s auditions, while allowing judge Bruno Tonioli to fill in for him.
With Tonioli taking his seat, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and guest judge KSI will continue filming.
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A source told the outlet: "This news has hit Simon incredibly hard - he is utterly shocked and devastated.
"He adored Liam, and was close to his family with whom he is sure to reach out privately. He didn't feel it was right to continue with filming BGT, and when it resumes on Saturday, does not feel he'll be in the right head space to continue.
"All the judges and production crew are being hugely supportive."
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A spokesperson for Fremantle UK, Britain’s Got Talent’s producer, confirmed auditions were being paused.
In a statement, they said: "Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, we have decided to postpone the Britain's Got Talent auditions. Our thoughts are with Liam's friends, family and all who loved him."
Tyla has reached out to Fremantle and Britain's Got Talent for comment.
Simon Cowell is yet to speak out publicly about Payne’s death, although former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne saying in a heartfelt tribute that her ‘heart aches’.
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Sharing a black and white photo of Payne, she wrote: “We all let you down. Where was this industry when you needed them? You were just a kid when you entered one of the toughest industries in the world. Who was in your corner?
“Rest in peace my friend.”
Osbourne was praised for her candid tribute to Payne, with one fan commenting: “This is probably the most honest thing anyone could say. A lot of respect. So sad.”
Topics: Britains Got Talent, Liam Payne, TV And Film, Celebrity
Jess Hardiman