Rebecca Ferguson shares emotional plea for parents after Liam Payne's tragic death

Former X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson has pleaded with fans to not strive to become famous and labels it a 'brilliant distraction' from real life as it's an illusion

News of Liam Payne's death rocked the world, leaving his adoring fans in a state of complete devastation.

But it seems as though his tragic passing has also shone a light on the failings of the music industry, as stars including Rebecca Ferguson have now spoken out. Taking to X in a now deleted post, Rebecca, 38, who appeared on the X Factor at the same time as Liam in 2010, reached out to her followers in an emotional plea.

She and wrote: "Don’t aspire to be famous and don’t push your kids to be famous, it’s such an illusion it’s a brilliant distraction from everything and anything that is real! I knew when I first went to celebrity parties that I didn’t fit in, everybody wanted to be a sample size nobody ate." The post is now no longer available.

And this came after she recalled the time she first met the late father of one and said if he hadn't auditioned for the popular ITV show, he would still be alive. In an emotional tribute she penned: "It's always a hotel room! We both met at Euston station and shared the taxi together to X Factor. I can't help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead. If he hadn't jumped on that train and jumped in that taxi I believe he would be alive today."

The singer added: "Rest in peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love to your mum and family x." Liam fell from the third floor balcony of his hotel room while on holiday in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Back in 2010, Simon Cowell, along with his fellow judge Nicole Scherzinger put Liam into the group, known as One Direction, along with Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson.

Rebecca's comments also come on the back of Katie Waissel's post - who immediately penned an emotional tribute. At the time, she wrote: "Liam was kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind, and the wisdom of an old soul. His warmth and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. "

She added: "His tragic passing not only leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him but also serves as a painful reminder of the systemic neglect that persists in the industry." Last Wednesday [October 16] emergency services were called to the hotel in Buenos Aires in a desperate bod to save the dinger's life. But sadly, it was revealed that he suffered "very serious injuries incompatible with life."

And in a statement released by his heart-broken family, their statement read: "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."

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