Simon Cowell's brother issues major update over Liam Payne and Cheryl after death

Liam Payne "never stopped loving" Cheryl after their split – and his death will be so difficult for her, says Simon Cowell’s brother Tony. ITV The X Factor star Liam died in Buenos Aires aged 31 last Wednesday, after a plunge from a hotel balcony.

Tony has said this will be “so difficult” for singer Cheryl, who shares seven-year-old son Bear with the Wolverhampton singer. He told Closer magazine: “Liam was just 16 years old when I first met him backstage at The X Factor in 2010.

“I will never forget how open and honest he was. He always had a huge smile on his face. He had a quiet maturity about him, even then. Our family has known Liam for so many years. I will always remember how he always made the effort to speak to our late mum, Julie, when she was in Simon’s dressing room.

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“Yes, the fame took its toll on his mental health, but he remained kind and considerate and an incredible friend to so many, and a wonderful father to [his son] Bear; so generous and private.” He continued: “Liam was determined to gain Simon’s approval [on The X Factor]. He desperately wanted to please him.

“We are devastated. I feel for Simon, too. He met with Liam a few months ago, when Liam took Bear to see him at his house in the Cotswolds, and Bear played with his son, Eric. I also feel for Cheryl, as I know Liam never stopped loving her and Bear. It’s going to be so difficult for her. I can’t imagine her pain.

"Louis Walsh is devastated too. He told me, ‘Liam had this star quality about him. I will miss him.’" Tony said: “It’s been moving to see this outpouring of grief around the world for Liam. I want to remember him as a beautiful young man, a normal kid trying to battle his demons.”