,
- Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com
Bruno Tonioli was seen arriving at Britain’s Got Talent auditions in Blackpool on Saturday after stepping in for Simon Cowell, who has been left devastated by Liam Payne’s tragic death.
The One Direction star died aged 31 after falling 45ft to his death from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palmero Hotel in Argentina on Wednesday.
Filming was halted as a mark of respect before it was reported that Simon would be taking a step back, with Bruno drafted in as his replacement.
The former Strictly judge, 68, who joined the panel last year before YouTube star KSI, 31, stepped in due to his filming commitments in the US, shielded his eyes behind shades as he arrived at the Winter Gardens.
He cut a causal figure in a dark sports jacket which he layered over a white T-shirt and waved as fans as he entered the theatre as filming on the talent show resumed.
‘This news [of Liam’s death] has hit Simon incredibly hard – he is utterly shocked and devastated,’ a source told The Sun.
‘He adored Liam, and was close to his family with whom he is sure to reach out privately. He didn’t feel it was right to continue with filming BGT, and when it resumes on Saturday, does not feel he’ll be in the right head space to continue.
‘All the judges and production crew are being hugely supportive.’
Earlier his week a spokesperson for Freemantle UK, the programme’s producer announced they were halting auditions for the Britain’s Got Talent.
Their statement read: ‘Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, we have decided to postpone the Britain’s Got Talent auditions. Our thoughts are with Liam’s friends, family and all who loved him.”
The music mogul, 65, met Payne when he auditioned for X Factor for the very first time at the age of 14.
It comes hours after Katie Waissel, a 38-year-old singer-songwriter who auditioned alongside Payne on the 2010 series of X Factor, name-checked Cowell in two statements in which she accused music bosses of focusing on ‘profits rather than people’.
Waissel first took to X last night to reveal her heartbreak at her friend’s death, writing: ‘My heart is completely torn to shreds right now, I am at an absolute loss for words.
‘If Simon Cowell dare put a statement out on the heart-wrenching, tragic loss of my dear and darling friend Liam, he would be a fool. We all know the truth… and I’ll be sure it all comes out.’
She later released a long statement in which she described Payne as ‘my confidant and my rock’, before turning her focus to her views on the state of the music industry.
‘Liam was kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind, and the wisdom of an old soul. His warmth and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,’ Waissel wrote.
‘His tragic passing not only leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him but also serves as a painful reminder of the systemic neglect that persists in the industry.
‘There are those who had a responsibility to provide the care and support necessary for the well-being of young artists, but too often, the focus remained on profits rather than the people.
‘This industry has treated talent like commodities, and the negligence of duty of care has once again led to a heart-wrenching loss. We need only look at Simon Cowell’s recent interview with Steven Bartlett, where he admits his greatest regret was not owning the band’s name.
‘The real regret should be the failure to prioritize the emotional and physical welfare of the artists who put their trust in these institutions. Contracts, whether they are for television shows or record deals, come with a legal and moral duty of care that must be upheld.’
Waissel said her heart ‘breaks’ for Payne’s family and she felt ‘so deeply sorry for all that you went through’.
She added: ‘The change the industry so desperately needs will come, and we will honor your legacy until it does. Keep singing in the sky, my friend. With all my love, Katie.’
Rebecca Ferguson, who also appeared on X Factor in 2010 alongside Payne and Waissel, has previously shared her views that the music industry is hiding ‘awful human rights abuses’ and claimed that she has endured ‘systematic misogyny and bullying’ throughout her career.
She released her own tribute to Payne on X, writing: ‘It’s always a hotel room! We both met at Euston Station and shared the taxi together to X Factor, young, innocent and unaffected by fame.
‘I can’t help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead. If he hadn’t jumped on that train and jumped in that taxi I believe he would be alive today.
‘I’ve spoken for years about the exploitation and profiteering of young stars and the effects – many of us are still living with the aftermath and the PTSD [post traumatic stress disorder].
‘Many of us are devastated and reflective today as it has finally taken its first victim. Rest in Peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love to your mum and family x.’
