Simon Cowell seen for first time in public since Liam Payne's death at Pride of Britain Awards

Music mogul Simon Cowell is appearing at the Pride of Britain Awards, to pay tribute to ex-Mirror editor Peter Willis, after making the decision to take a step back from Britain's Got Talent following the tragic death of Liam Payne

Simon Cowell has been seen for the first time in public since the death of Liam Payne - at the Pride of Britain Awards where he paid tribute to his friend, former Mirror Editor Peter Willis.

Peter was the Editor of the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror and Sunday People during his distinguished career, but his greatest achievement was setting up the much-loved Pride of Britain Awards. Tonight, X Factor mogul Simon, 65, will be remembering Peter, who died at the age of 54, on stage with a poignant tribute.

Peter, who was married with two children, served as editor of the Sunday Mirror and Sunday People before becoming executive director of the Mirror titles . He spent 23 years at the Mirror after starting in 1997, following a stint at the Sun, the Express and the Star.

It was his spark of genius that led to the creation of the Pride of Britain Awards in 1999, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary today. Following his passing, King Charles hailed his "deep compassion" in celebrating the achievements of youths who received help from the King's trust, previously known as the Prince's Trust.

At the time, he said: "Over the many years I knew Peter, I was always struck by his deep compassion for the young people helped by my Trust. As the Pride of Britain became an established event, celebrating the great people of this country, Peter always insisted one of my Trust's young people was included.

"He never shied away from telling the difficult stories of young people who had struggled with drugs, homelessness, imprisonment or mental health issues and managed to turn their lives around. The positive impact of telling their stories will be a significant part of his legacy."

Simon's appearance at the Pride of Britain Awards is his first public event since the tragic passing of X Factor and One Direction star Liam Payne. Dad-of-one Liam was holidaying in Buenos Aires with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy when he fell from the third floor of a hotel.

The singer fell from the third floor of a hotel building in the Argentinian capital. Police, firefighters and ambulances were seen outside of a hotel building after Liam tragically fell. Police are 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.

Liam, who was known for being one fifth of the mega-band found fame in 2011 after appearing on The X Factor, when judge Simon placed him in a band with Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Niall Horan.

Music mogul Simon is said to have been left devastated by the tragic news of Liam's death and has since taken a break from his duties on Britain's Got Talent as the auditions continue to get underway.

Simon first met Liam when he was just 14 years old back in 2008 the first time he auditioned on the X Factor. Simon ultimately told Liam he was too young and sent him home before they would meet again two years later when he placed Liam in the boyband that would see him become a globally recognised star.

Following the shocking news of Liam's death, Simon broke his silence over the weekend with a heartfelt and tear-jerking tribute. 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 I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.

"This is so difficult to put into 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 continued: "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 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 had met all of those years ago.

"I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eye that 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 regarding 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."

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.