Paddy McGuinness shares Liam Payne's heartbreaking 'sobriety' confession before tragic death

Paddy McGuinness has shared text messages he received from Liam Payne about the difficulties of sobriety before his tragic death.

Former One Direction star Liam Payne achieved sobriety last year after attending a rehab clinic for 100 days. Sadly, he appeared to have returned to a destructive relationship with alcohol and drugs prior to his heartbreaking death on Wednesday, October 16.

Liam had been in Buenos Aires to support his One Direction bandmate Niall Horan's solo gig on October 2, and extended his stay with his girlfriend, the ECHO reports. It's reported that Liam was due to check out of his hotel in the Palermo district on the day he tragically passed away. It's believed he received a distressing email which led him to damage his laptop and the TV in his room.

READ MORE: Liam Payne’s heartbroken father arrives in Argentina to lay tributes at Buenos Aires hotel where son lost his life

Liam Payne was only 31 when he suffered a fatal fall from a third floor balcony at his Buenos Aires hotel. As news of his death broke, police and emergency services descended on the hotel, but his injuries were too severe for any resuscitation attempts, reports the Express.

X Factor judge and music industry titan Simon Cowell is among those who have paid heartfelt tributes to his former mentee. In an Instagram post, Simon, wrote: "You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect and I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory for you.

"This is so difficult to put in words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together. I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me.

"What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans."

He added: "I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn't your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again. A lot of people would have given up. You didn't.

"You came back and within months the whole won knew the whole world knew Liam. And you never forgot the fans. I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared. You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we reminisced about all of the fun times we had together. And how proud you were to be a Dad.

"After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I met all of those years ago. I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eyes you have. And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it.

"I always thought of the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And reading their messages today I believe you were. And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon. Rest in peace my friend. And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family. Simon X"

Paddy McGuinness has now bravely shared personal text messages he received from the ex-X Factor sensation discussing the difficulties of sobriety. One poignant message from Payne read: "I don't have many mates I can trust who know how I feel and since being sober I'm wanting to branch out more instead of hiding away."

This admission echoes previous sentiments expressed by the singer about the loneliness that accompanied his global success and the isolating experiences on the road as part of the famed boy band, which often lead him to a "party of one" at the hotel minibar.

In a touching Instagram story tribute today, comedian McGuinness reflected on the openness and honesty that marked his communications with Payne: "I really enjoyed the small amount of time I got to hang out with Liam. His messages were always open and honest," said McGuinness. He remarked on the baffling nature of such attention and fame, especially its impact on someone so young: "I could never comprehend that level of fame and attention? Let alone the effect it has on someone so young? Rest in peace young un."

Liam's former One Direction bandmates Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan issued a joint statement on Thursday. In the statement, signed "Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry", the four stars said: "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing.

"In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us."

The musician's family also issued a statement today following his death. They said in a statement issued by his spokeswoman: "We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. "We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."