James Corden looked somber as he arrived for Liam Payne’s funeral on Wednesday afternoon.
Liam died on October 16 at the age of 31 after falling from the third floor balcony of a hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires.
His close friend, actor and presenter James, 46, was one of many stars who came to show their support as he was laid to rest.
His One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, 30, Niall Horan, 31, Zayn Malik, 31, and Louis Tomlinson, 32, were also spotted walking into the church for what is their first public gathering as a group since their last concert in 2015.
A church source said a choir and musicians will perform during the service, which started at 1 p.m.
James Corden looked somber as he arrived for Liam Payne’s funeral on Wednesday afternoon
His good friend, actor and presenter James, 46, was one of many stars who came to show their support
Liam died on October 16 at the age of 31 after falling from the third floor balcony of a hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires (seen with James in 2017)
One of the floral displays at the church featured bowling pins and a ball – a nod to his love of bowling, which his girlfriend Kate Cassidy said he did four times a week.
After his death, James paid tribute to Liam, saying: ‘Talking about Liam in the past tense is completely heartbreaking.
“He was such a loving and kind soul. I will cherish the moments I spent with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.”
Liam had appeared as Corden’s guest on The Late Late Show in 2020 and also took part in his Carpool Karaoke segment.
The location of the funeral is a closely guarded secret, and local residents only realized the funeral was taking place when ‘no parking’ signs were posted around the church.
Two traffic enforcement officers patrolled the area and issued tickets to drivers who ignored the signs.
Payne traveled to Argentina in September, where he saw former bandmate Niall Horan perform as well as his good friend Rogelio ‘Roger’ Nores. He had extended his stay to renew his US visa when the tragedy occurred.
The entrance to the church where the service takes place is decorated with candle lanterns and white roses arranged in the surrounding shrubs.
After his death, James paid tribute to Liam, saying: ‘Talking about Liam in the past tense is completely heartbreaking’
Liam appeared on The Late Late Show in 2020 as a guest with Corden and also took part in his Carpool Karaoke segment
He looked somber when he arrived for the funeral
He was wearing a smart black suit when he arrived
A source said this The sun: ‘His family has gone to great lengths to put together the perfect service and give him the farewell he deserves.
‘Liam may have been a global superstar, but for Geoff and Karen he will always be their little boy. It will be an extremely difficult day.’
In a joint statement released after Payne’s death, Tomlinson, Malik, Horan and Styles said they were “completely devastated.”
“In due time, and when everyone is able, there will be more to say,” they said.
“But for now, we will take time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, whom we loved dearly.
“The memories we shared with him will be cherished forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends and the fans who loved him alongside us.
‘We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.’
Tomlinson, Styles and Malik all later released separate tributes.
James and Liam can be seen together in 2017