Simon Cowell pays tribute to Liam Payne: X Factor mogul who propelled One Direction to fame is supported by wife Lauren Silverman at star’s funeral

Simon Cowell has arrived for the funeral of One Direction star Liam Payne, a month after the singer’s tragic death in Argentina.

Payne 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.

After Payne’s death, Cowell posted a touching tribute to the singer, describing him as a “kind, funny and talented” pop star who “never forgot the fans.”

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

Harry Styles has also arrived at the funeral alongside his fellow One Direction bandmates and a host of other stars.

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.

Also at the service will be new Radio 2 Breakfast DJ Scott Mills, James Corden and Marvin and Rochelle Humes.

They walked past floral displays with bowling pins and a ball – a nod to Payne’s love of bowling, which Ms Cassidy said she did four times a week.

Cowell arrived at the funeral with his wife Laura Silverman

Simon Cowell was the music mogul behind Liam Payne’s boy band One Direction (pictured together)

Harry Styles

Louis Tomlinson

Niall Horan

Zayn Malik

Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25, arrives at the church today for the singer’s funeral, along with Damian Hurley, 22

Kimberley Walsh, 43, was one of the first celebrities to arrive outside the church

Singer Nicola Roberts, 39, hugs a fellow mourner before the funeral this afternoon

Scott Mills, who was unveiled yesterday as the new presenter of the Radio 2 Breakfast Show, walks past a floral display with bowling pins and a ball. This is a nod to Payne’s love of bowling, which Ms Cassidy said he did four times a week

Cheryl Cole will attend the One Direction star’s funeral today. She was seen earlier this year

Payne, pictured in Dubai last year, 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

Also read:

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.

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.

Styles wrote on Instagram that he was “truly devastated” and will “always miss him.”

“His greatest joy was making other people happy and it was an honor to stand next to him as he did that.

James Corden

Marvin and Rochelle Humes

Adrian Chiles

Robbie Keane

Damian Hurley waits outside with mourners for Payne’s funeral

Flower arrangers outside the entrance to the church where his funeral takes place

Flowers are being prepared at the church in the Home Counties ahead of Payne’s funeral

Aerial view of the hotel where Payne died in Buenos Aires

Payne rose to fame with the band One Direction. He is pictured with his bandmates in 2013

‘Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had a life energy that was contagious.

“He was warm, supportive and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever be some of the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my dear friend.

‘My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear and everyone around the world who knew and loved him as I do.’

Tomlinson said in a separate emotional tribute that he was ‘really struggling with the idea of ​​saying goodbye’.

In a signed statement ‘Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry’, Liam Payne’s One Direction bandmates said they were ‘completely devastated’

Louis Tomlinson said he was ‘really struggling with the idea of ​​saying goodbye’ in a separate tribute to Payne

Zayn Malik said he talked out loud to Payne ‘hoping you could hear me’

Harry Styles wrote on Instagram that he was ‘truly devastated’ and ‘will always miss him’

He posted a photo to his Instagram page of them both on stage, with Payne lovingly placing his arm over Tomlinson’s shoulder.

Tomlinson said he would be an uncle to Payne’s son Bear if he “ever needs me” and “tell him stories about how great his dad was.”

“I am so grateful that we have become even closer since bonding, talking on the phone for hours and reminiscing about the thousands of wonderful memories we had together is a luxury I thought I would have with you for life.” , he wrote. .

‘I would have liked to share the stage with you again, but that was not to be.

“I wish I had the chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.