Britain’s Got Talent auditions resume with Bruno Tonioli replacing Simon Cowell following Liam Payne’s tragic death

SHOCKED fans, former work colleagues, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.

Harry Styles’ mother, Anne was one of the first of the One Direction group to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a broken heart emoji.

Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair along with the words: “What a terrible tragedy.

“Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”

X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was “devastated” and “speechless.”

He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams, so to see his life now end at such a young age is a huge blow, I am truly devastated and devastated for his family and of course his son Bear losing a father x”.

Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious kids, you only get to do this once, take it easy.”

Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.

He said: “I remember him at 14, auditioning for The X Factor and surprising us by singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.

“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful and always humble.”

BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on his show and told fans that he hugged his own son Woody tight this morning.

JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for the X Factor… he was 14…

“We instantly clicked and looked at him like a little brother… that year it worked for us but not for him and two years later he came back to audition and One Direction was born… the rest is history…

“Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news. and friends brother..RIP.”

Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared a moving tribute to Liam, praising him as an “important young man”.

He added: “We will miss you forever. Liam, words cannot describe how much I want to hold my brother and care for him now, as the world displays its memories of you, him and the boys.

“My heart goes out to his parents and sisters, his son Bear and his 1D brothers.

“October 10th we met and started that night as 5 families in one big 1D family, thanks for all the laughs bro, take care of your whole family and take care of them with lots of love, boy xxx 1D 4 LIFE xxx”

German DJ Anton Zaslavskiaka Zedd, walked up to X with a devastated statement.

The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking…”

American singer, Charlie Puthwho was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, posted a series of Instagram Stories dedicated to him.

Alongside photos of the two of them together in their youth, Charlie wrote: “I’m in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.

“He was one of the first great artists I worked with. I can’t believe he’s gone…

“I’m so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I’m so sorry…”

Irish singing duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”

In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and her son Bear. And the entire One Direction family. RIP Liam Payne.”

American media personality Paris Hilton shared, “It’s so upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne’s passing. Sending love and condolences to his family and loved ones. RIP my friend.”

ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “I can’t believe this! RIP Liam.”

About that Love Island star Molly Marsh wrote: “I’m so surprised, rest in peace.”

James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a “loving and gentle soul”.

The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: “Talking about Liam in the past is heartbreaking.

“I will cherish the moments I spent with him. My thoughts are with your family today x.”

Payne previously appeared on Cordon’s The Late Late Show in America.

Jade Thirwall, former Little Mix star – who won the X Factor with his bandmates a year after One Direction took part – described him as “the first friend I’ve made in this industry”.

She said: “We lost touch over the years, but in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.

“We are both so young, so ambitious, both hoping that we would ‘make it.’ I hope you are at peace now.”

Camila Cabello described his death as a “tragedy” and said he “made an impression” on her when she was a girl.