Simon Cowell has made his TV return following the tragic news of Liam Payne’s death.
The One Direction star, aged 31, tragically passed away last week after a fall from a hotel balcony. The star succumbed to multiple traumas resulting in an “internal and external haemorrhage”.
Simon, who first met Liam when he auditioned for X Factor at just 14 years old, paused Britain’s Got Talent auditions in light of Liam’s passing. He later expressed his sorrow, stating he was “devastated”. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Simon shared that he is “heartbroken” and feels “empty” following the loss of Liam.
On Thursday (October 24), Simon returned to television screens during the pre-recorded Pride of Britain Awards. The prestigious event marked its 25th anniversary, with Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo returning to host the poignant ceremony, reports the Express.
The awards honour some of the nation’s most heroic individuals who have achieved remarkable feats in 2024. Carol, aged 63, has been at the helm of the awards since they began in 1999, with Ashley, aged 36, co-hosting since 2021.
During the ceremony, Simon presented the Child of Courage award to Aiyla Mota. After developing life-threatening sepsis last year, doctors had no choice but to amputate Aiyla’s legs and fingers.
What began as a simple sore throat quickly escalated into stomach pains and breathing difficulties. She was taken to A&E where tests showed she had suffered organ failure due to sepsis.
After a challenging three-month hospital stay and being discharged just shy of her fourth birthday, little Aiyla has immersed herself back into life with gusto. She swiftly started at mainstream school and, according to her mum Eulanda, has retained her “cheeky, sassy” charm.
Aiyla is flourishing in the classroom and embracing a host of activities, from gymnastics and horse-riding to ice skating and bowling. mum Eulanda proudly shared: “Sepsis and Strep A haven’t stolen her love for life.”
The courageous young girl didn’t just receive an award for her bravery; she also had the unique opportunity to tour the Britain’s Got Talent set where she took Simon’s spot and even pressed his notorious buzzer.
In a touching tribute, Simon Cowell took a moment to honour his friend and former Mirror editor, Peter Willis, who passed at 54. A luminary in journalism, Peter helmed the Daily Mirror, Sunday Mirror, and Sunday People before founding the cherished Pride of Britain Awards.
Recounting about Peter at the award ceremony, Simon commemorated: “Peter had an idea 25 years, 26 years [ago] probably, to create what he called the People’s Awards Ceremony, and this was his passion… he cared.”
Simon reflected on Peter’s persuasive influence saying, “You never said no to Peter, by the way. When you got ‘the call’, it was ‘I’m coming’. And I always remember the years I would come, just before I’d get up if I was going to introduce someone, he would tell me about their story.”
Simon expressed his sentiments saying: “He cared so passionately about the people who got the awards, and looking around today, Peter, this is still, in my opinion, the most important awards show of the year. As always, you meet the most incredible people because I always thought of this show as extraordinary people with extraordinary stories.”
At the Central London event, the television impresario addressed the crowd, commenting: “You’re going to leave feeling humbled. Peter’s legacy lives on… a tribute to a man I had huge respect for.”