Simon Cowell has made a last-minute diary change following news of Liam Payne‘s death,
The TV personality was the man who put One Direction together on 2010’s The X Factor and was the group’s mentor on the UK competition, before signing them to his record label.
Cowell, who is also behind reality TV show Britain’s Got Talenthas canceled auditions for the new BGT series as the Industry mourns the loss of the 31-year-old,
READ MORE: Liam Payne’s family ‘heartbroken’ after singer’s shock death
“Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, we have decided to postpone the Britain’s Got Talent auditions,” Freemantle UK announced on Thursday.
“Our thoughts are with Liam’s friends, family and all who loved him.”
It’s not known when the audition process will resume.
Cowell is yet to speak publicly about the tragedy, which saw the singer fall to his death from the third floor of a Buenos Aires hotel.
Former Little Mix performer Perrie Edwards, who was previously engaged to Payne’s One Direction bandmate Zayn Malik, has canceled her planned appearance for Friday.
READ MORE: Stars pay tribute to One Direction alum Liam Payne
The singer was due to take part in BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge but pulled out after the shock news.
“We’ve just had some news on our show that because of the sad news of Liam Payne earlier we have heard that Perrie is not going to be in the Live Lounge tomorrow,” BBC Radio 1 hosts Rickie, Melvin and Charlie revealed on- air.
“She was supposed to be performing but that’s now not happening tomorrow but it will be happening at a later date.”
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‘Come back in two years’: Five words made Liam Payne a star
Payne’s former boy band members – Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik– are yet to speak publicly about the loss.
Payne’s family released a short statement on their pain after the shock death.
”Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul,” they said.
“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
If you or someone you know is in need of mental health support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14In the event of an emergency dial Triple Zero (000).
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