Simon Cowell shared an emotional embrace with Liam Payne’s parents outside a church in Amersham today, following the funeral service for the late One Direction star.
The X Factor creator, who helped launch Payne’s career, was comforted by Geoff and Karen Payne in touching scenes as they stood together after the intimate ceremony.
Cowell, accompanied by his partner Lauren Silverman, appeared visibly moved as the grieving parents placed their arms around him in a moment of shared sorrow.
An onlooker told the Mirror: “Liam’s former One Direction bandmates stood shoulder to shoulder, their grief clear, as they exchanged quiet words and comforting embraces.
“Simon Cowell, his face still etched with sorrow, was seen consoling Liam’s friend and family, offering no doubt heartfelt words amid the shared pain,” they continued.
The service saw a horse-drawn carriage carry a dark blue coffin with silver handles, topped with white roses.
Cowell and his wife arrive at the funeral
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Floral tributes included a red arrangement spelling ‘son’ and a blue tribute reading ‘daddy’.
The service brought together all of Payne’s former One Direction bandmates – Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson.
Other celebrities paying their respects included James Corden, Girls Aloud stars Cheryl Tweedy, Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh.
Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy attended with Damian Hurley, whilst radio personalities Chris Stark, Jordan North and Scott Mills were also present.
Cowell and Payne’s parents embrace
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The intimate ceremony took place over a month after Payne’s tragic death in Buenos Aires on October 16.
Following Payne’s death, Cowell shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, saying: “I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you.”
The music mogul recalled in his tribute how he would always tell people that Payne was “kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused”.
He added: “This is so difficult to put into words right now. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.”
Cheryl, who shared a son Bear with Payne, had earlier said she would ensure their seven-year-old knows all about his late father.
Prior to his passing, the former couple had maintained an amicable relationship while co-parenting their child.
Payne’s parents mourn
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Dozens of locals and fans gathered outside to pay their final respects to the singer, who died after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel.
Fans worldwide held vigils in his memory, with a shrine created in his hometown of Wolverhampton.
Payne died in October after falling from his hotel balcony in Argentina.