Bruno Tonioli seen for the first time at Britain’s Got Talent auditions after stepping in for ‘devastated’ Simon Cowell as filming resumes following Liam Payne’s tragic death

Bruno Tonioli was spotted arriving at the Britain’s Got Talent auditions in Blackpool on Saturday after coming in for Simon Cowell, who was left devastated by the tragic death of Liam Payne.

The former One Direction star died on Wednesday at the age of 31 after falling 13 meters from a third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palmero Hotel in Argentina.

Filming was halted out of respect before it was reported that Simon would be stepping back, with ex-judge Bruno called in as his replacement.

The former Strictly star, 68, who joined the panel last year before being replaced by YouTube star KSI, 31, shielded his eyes behind sunglasses as he arrived at the Winter Gardens as filming of the talent show resumed .

He cut a causal figure in a dark suit jacket worn over a white T-shirt, waving like fans as he entered the theater.

‘This news [of Liam’s death] has hit Simon incredibly hard – he is completely shocked and devastated,” a source said The sun.

‘He adored Liam and had a good relationship with his family, who he will certainly contact privately. He didn’t feel it was right to continue filming BGT, and when filming resumes on Saturday, he doesn’t feel like he’ll be in the right headspace to continue.

‘All the judges and production crew are extremely supportive.’

Earlier this week, a spokesperson for Freemantle UK, the show’s producer, announced that they were suspending auditions for Britain’s Got Talent.

Their statement read: ‘Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, we have decided to postpone the auditions for Britain’s Got Talent. Our thoughts are with Liam’s friends, family and all who loved him.”

The music mogul, 65, met Payne when he auditioned for the X Factor for the very first time at the age of 14.

It comes hours after Katie Waissel, a 38-year-old singer-songwriter who auditioned with Payne for the 2010 X Factor series, name-dropped Cowell in two statements in which she accused music bosses of focusing on “profit rather than on people’. .

Waissel took to

“If Simon Cowell dared to make a statement about the heartbreaking, tragic loss of my dear friend Liam, he would be a fool. We all know the truth… and I’m sure it will all come out.”

She later released a lengthy statement describing Payne as “my confidante and my rock,” before turning her attention to her views on the state of the music industry.

‘Liam was kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind and the wisdom of an old soul. His warmth and compassion left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Waissel wrote.

“His tragic passing not only leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him, but also serves as a painful reminder of the systemic neglect that persists in the industry.

‘There are people who had a responsibility to provide the care and support necessary for the well-being of young artists, but too often the focus remained on the profit rather than the people.

“This industry has treated talent like a commodity, and the disregard for duty of care has led to yet another heartbreaking loss. We only have to look at Simon Cowell’s recent interview with Steven Bartlett, in which he admits that his biggest regret was not having the name of the band.

“The real regret should be that no priority has been given to the emotional and physical well-being of the artists who place their trust in these institutions. Contracts, whether for television programs or recording contracts, come with a legal and moral duty of care that must be adhered to.”

Waissel said her heart “breaks” for Payne’s family and that she felt “so deeply sorry for everything you’ve been through.”

She added: “The change the industry so desperately needs will come, and we will honor your legacy until it does. Keep singing to the sky, my friend. With all my love, Katie.”

Rebecca Ferguson, who appeared on the X Factor alongside Payne and Waissel in 2010, previously shared her view that the music industry is hiding “terrible human rights abuses” and claimed she has faced “systematic misogyny and bullying” throughout her career.

She released her own tribute to Payne on X, writing: ‘It’s always a hotel room! We both met at Euston Station and shared the taxi to X Factor, young, innocent and untouched by fame.

‘I think of that boy who was hopeful and looked forward to his bright future. If he hadn’t jumped on that train and into that taxi, I believe he would still be alive today.

‘I have been speaking out for years about the exploitation and profiteering of young stars and its consequences – many of us are still living with the aftermath and PTSD [post traumatic stress disorder].

“Many of us are devastated and thoughtful as the country has finally suffered its first victim. Rest in Peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love for your mother and family x.”