Liam Payne’s mentor Denise Lewis pens heartbreaking tribute after his tragic death and shares unseen pictures of the star as she writes that his ‘dark storms’ have now passed

Dame Denise Lewis has written a heartbreaking tribute to Liam Payne following his tragic death at the age of 31 and has shared unseen photos of the star.

The heptathlete, 52, is married to Steve Finan – who was Liam’s manager for many years – and she is considered by some to be the former One Direction star’s ‘fairy godmother’.

Denise and Steve were by Liam’s side during some of his toughest times – including his fight with Cheryl – and he often stayed over at their home as they fought to keep him sober.

Denise shared an emotional tribute to Liam on Instagram on Tuesday with a collection of photos of the couple over the years – writing that his ‘dark storms’ are now over.

Denise thanked the late singer for “being so sweet” to her children and said he was “loved more than you could imagine.”

The heptathlete is married to Steve Finan – who was Liam’s manager for many years – and she is considered by some to be the former One Direction star’s ‘fairy godmother’.

‘Okay. Here goes….” she wrote. “I know it’s real and you’re not coming back. So here’s to you: the real you.

‘Friendly, funny, annoyingly crazy, but more talented than you thought, more loved than you could imagine.

“The dark storms are over and all that lies ahead is sunshine. You deserve that.’

She added: “Thank you for being so kind to my kids, the big kid in you always knew what to say to make them laugh. Rest in peace, dear… Wolvo and the world are crying.’

Speaking to the Mail’s Katie Hind, a source said of Denise and Liam’s bond: ‘Liam adored Denise. She mothered him and really tried to support him.”

In snaps shared by Denise, Liam was seen enjoying a day of golf with her family and attending birthday parties.

He was also seen in a photo with Denise’s 22-year-old daughter Lauren as they posed with singer Rita Ora.

Liam fell from the third floor of a hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires last Wednesday evening, before medics confirmed his death.

Denise and Steve were by Liam’s side through some of his toughest times, including his fight with Cheryl (Liam and Steve pictured)

Denise shared an emotional tribute to Liam on Instagram on Tuesday with a collection of photos of the couple over the years

Liam was spotted in a photo with Denise’s 22-year-old daughter Lauren as they posed with singer Rita Ora

Speaking to the Mail’s Katie Hind, a source said of Denise and Liam’s bond: ‘Liam adored Denise. She mothered him and really tried to support him’ (Liam and Steve pictured)

His label Universal Music Group tribute read: ‘We are devastated by the tragic passing of Liam Payne.

“His legacy will live on through his music and the countless fans he inspired and who adored him. We extend our deepest condolences to Liam’s family and loved ones.”

Hours later, it was revealed that Liam had been dropped by the record label days before his death.

Originally signed to Sony as part of One Direction, Liam signed a deal with Capitol Records, a Universal label, in July 2016 when he launched his solo career at just 22 years old.

Liam is said to have been ‘excited’ when he signed with Capitol in what was considered a very lucrative deal.

The label is a subsidiary of Universal, but in the company’s recent realignment it fell under the main label.

‘Okay. Here goes….” Denise wrote. “I know it’s real and you’re not coming back. So here’s to you – the real you’

Liam fell from the third floor of a hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires last Wednesday evening, before medics confirmed his death

Meanwhile, it was also revealed that Liam’s PR resigned earlier this month, leaving him without any publicity representation.

The dismissal came as Liam’s ex-fiancée Maya Henry began legal proceedings against the singer after she accused him of repeatedly contacting her.

One source said: ‘It’s as if Liam’s entire music career he had built since going solo eight years ago was crumbling, leaving very little for him.

“It must have absolutely devastated him.”