Liam Payne’s funeral saw a host of celebrities gather on Wednesday to bid a final farewell to the late One Direction star who was laid to rest in Home Counties.
The 31-year-old singer tragically passed away after falling from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16.
A number of famous faces turned up to pay their respects yesterday while devoted fans lined the streets to witness the poignant moment when Payne’s coffin arrived at the church accompanied by a horse-drawn hearse, the Mirror reports.
Liam Payne’s former One Direction bandmates were among the mourners as Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik all reunited for their ‘brother’s’ funeral for the first time in nine years.
Also present was Cheryl, who joined to bid a heartbreaking last goodbye to the father of her son Bear. Cheryl was seen with Payne’s family and supported by close friends Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts throughout the emotional service.
During the ceremony, the presence of a heartfelt floral arrangement from his seven-year-old son Bear was particularly moving. The tribute poignantly read: “Daddy,” providing a touching homage at the funeral.
Grieving alongside the stars, Liam’s parents Karen and Geoff were met by the reverend at the church’s entrance. Mourners inside watched as the pallbearers carried in the coffin, adorned with white roses, joining those gathered to remember the much-loved musician.
Join the Daily Record’s WhatsApp community hereand get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
The star-studded memorial for Liam saw a host of celebrities including James Corden, Rochelle and Marvin Humes, Simon Cowell, Robbie Keane, Damian Hurley, and Liam’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy in attendance. However, some notable figures were absent.
Music icon Robbie Williams and Liam’s former X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger reached out to his grieving family after being unable to attend the Wednesday service.
Robbie Williams, 50, shared a moving tribute upon hearing of Liam’s passing on October 16, writing: “You brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the lives of those that truly knew you. I will ‘miss you’ my friend and carry you in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.”
Nicole Scherzinger, 46, also expressed her sentiments, stating: “Dear Liam, I will forever cherish and treasure the time we shared together, from fifteen years ago when One Direction was born, right up until just a few weeks ago.”
The Sun reports that both Robbie and Nicole were among many who offered condolences and support to Liam’s bereaved family, sending flowers as they were unable to bid farewell in person at the funeral.
Following the sombre funeral of Liam Payne, who tragically passed away on October 16 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Rev Jonny Rapson shared with the PA news agency: “We will continue to hold Liam, his family and his loved ones in our prayers on what must have been a very difficult day.”
Mourners, including local residents and devoted fans, congregated outside the church to offer their final tributes. Globally, vigils were conducted, and Payne’s hometown of Wolverhampton saw the establishment of a memorial in his honour.
After the funeral, a GoFundMe page was set up in Liam’s name to “continue Liam’s legacy” by helping to build a new Children’s Cancer Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
According to a post-mortem examination report, Payne died of multiple traumas and “internal and external haemorrhage”.
Get the latest celebrity gossip and telly news sent straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily Showbiz newsletter here.