Liam Payne’s family reveal how they spent first birthday since he died

Liam Payne’s family marked the star’s first birthday since his death with a trip to his favourite spot.

The One Direction singer’s sister posted a heartbreaking tribute to her late brother on what would have been his 32nd birthday on Friday.

Liam died in October after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, with his sister Nicola explaining how his family birthday celebration last year was the last time she saw her brother.

Nicola and her family headed to the same place they celebrated with Liam a year ago to mark his first birthday since his death – a local bowling alley. 

‘A year later same bowling alley, different lanes, one huge part of our family missing,’ she wrote on Instagram, adding a photo of the family’s scores on the screen. 

In a grid post, Nicola added a heartbreaking message as she reflected that ‘a year ago today, we were so full of hope and excitement for what the years ahead would bring you.’

‘That night, celebrating your birthday with bowling and McDonald’s, we celebrated you, your show, your dreams, and spoke of all the plans you had for the future.’

‘We ended the evening with a hug, telling you how proud we were and how much we loved you. If I had known that would be the last time I’d see you, I would have said so much more.’

‘I wish I could step into a time machine and relive that night and hug you tighter, capture your smile and voice, ask more questions, and write it all down so I’d never forget.’

‘I hope you’re happy, at peace, and know how deeply you are loved. I miss you every single day, and I don’t think there will ever be a day that I don’t.

‘So today, on your birthday, I want to wish you the happiest heavenly birthday. Wherever you are, I hope you’re celebrating and hopefully you’ve scored a few strikes too. Love you always.’

Liam’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy fought back tears as she made a birthday cake for her late boyfriend on Friday.

The 26-year-old influencer looked heartbroken as she shared a poignant message to the star which read: ‘Happy birthday Liam, I know you still have the sweetest tooth in heaven.

‘I tried my best here but it’s the thought that counts enjoy.’

She signed off the caption with a red love heart emoji, sharing her sadness with fans.

Kate decorated the cake with frosting and sprinkles, before tearfully blowing out a candle and slicing a piece for herself and their beloved dog Nala.

She uploaded another video which included a montage of memories of the two of them.

Alongside it, Kate penned: ‘8.29.93. A special day for the most special soul. I miss you so much. Happy Birthday Liam. I wish we could celebrate together. In the next life I guess.’

Fans were left sobbing in the comments as many rushed to console Kate over her sad loss. 

Liam’s ex Cheryl meanwhile has announced her return to the spotlight, following his tragic death.

The Girls Aloud singer, 42, has featured in a new campaign for skincare giant Nivea, with the collaboration announced on Instagram on Monday – with a host of nods to her career littered through the brief clip.

In a striking clip, Cheryl, who shares son Bear, eight, with the late star, is seen strutting into a studio, before sitting with her face covered by a newspaper boasting the lyrics to her 2019 song Fight For This Love alongside the date ‘August 2025’.

A message then flashes up, and reveals: ‘A New Era, Tomorrow’. The social media team captioned the clip: ‘This is right up our street. Tomorrow. 9am. A new era of skincare… guess who’s joining us?’

The star was left heartbroken when One Direction star Liam passed away.

The caption from Nivea is a nod to one of Cheryl’s catchphrases during her stint as an X Factor judge – when she would often say: ‘You are right up my street’.

The clip begins with the stars stepping out of a car, with her heels on display, and then pulling the tie of her trenchcoat and boosting her hair.

Another nod to her appearance comes when the camera zooms in on her iconic hand tattoo – a unique tribal design which has become synonymous with the star.

In the wake of Liam’s passing, Cheryl has removed herself from the spotlight after touring with Girls Aloud in May ahead of his passing just months later.