X Factor star says Liam Payne would still be alive if it wasn't for single taxi ride

Singer-songwriter Rebecca Ferguson, who appeared on the X Factor back in 2010, has hit out at the 'exploitation and profiteering of young stars' following the shock death of Liam Payne

X Factor alum Rebecca Ferguson has broken her silence following the tragic death of Liam Payne.

The One Direction star was holidaying in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires with girlfriend Kate Cassidy when reports state he fell from the third floor of a hotel. The 31-year-old, who catapulted to fame for appearing on the talent show as part of the newly-formed band One Direction, is believed to have fallen around 14 metres and suffered 'very serious injuries incompatible with life'.

"The alarm was raised at 5.04pm local time saying a person was lying in an internal patio at Casa Sur," said city ambulance service provider spokesman Alberto Crescenti. "At 5.11pm an ambulance arrived and the man was certified dead. Afterwards we found out he had been a famous singer. Unfortunately the injuries he had suffered as a result of the fall proved to be fatal. There was no possibility of resuscitating him." Police are also said to have been called to reports of a man acting aggressively at the hotel who could be under the effect of drink or drugs.

Tributes to the star have flooded social media after the news was confirmed, with X Factor's official X account releasing a statement.

Rebecca, who featured on the talent show with Liam back in 2010, has also released a statement on the death - poignantly declaring: "It's always a hotel room." The 40-year-old singer, who has regularly spoken out about the exploitative nature of celebrity culture, recalled her first encounter with Liam.

She says the pair both met at London Euston rail station and shared a taxi together to the X Factor studio. Rebecca described Liam as 'young, innocent and unaffected by fame'. "I can't help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead," she added.

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"If he hadn't jumped on that train and jumped in that taxi I believe he would be alive today. I've spoken for years about the exploitation and profiteering of young stars and the effects. Many of us are still living with the aftermath and the PTSD [Post Traumatic Stress Disorder]. Many of us are devastated and reflective today as it has finally it's first victim."

Rebecca ended the statement wishing Liam finds 'peace on the other side' and sent her love to the star's mum and family. Dozens of fans flocked to the comments section to express their condolences, with many saying they were 'heartbroken' by the news.

The X Factor's press office has been approached for comment.

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