Simon Cowell Steps Down from ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ After Liam Payne’s Tragic Death

Filming for Britain’s Got Talent was cancelled after the tragic news of Liam Payne’s death, and Simon Cowell has reportedly decided to step away from the show.

Cowell, along with judges Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon, will be replaced by Bruno Tonioli when filming resumes on Saturday.

Liam Payne found fame on The X Factor when he became part of One Direction (Picture: Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images for Nickelodeon)

A source told The Sun that Cowell, 65, is “utterly shocked and devastated” by the news and does not feel he will be in the right headspace to continue filming. “All the judges and production crew are hugely supportive,” the source added.

Liam and Cheryl dated for two years between 2016 and 2018 (Picture: WireImage)

The singer and former ‘X Factor star passed away at age 31 after falling off a balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he was supporting One Direction bandmate Niall Horan at a concert.

One Direction was signed to Simon Cowell’s record label after finishing third on The X Factor (Picture: Dave Hogan/Getty Images)

Following Payne’s death, the audition stage of ‘BGT’ was halted, and Applause Store, which organised tickets for filming, announced, “Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, BGT has decided to postpone today’s auditions in Blackpool.”

Simon wants to take time away (Picture: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock)

Payne first gained fame on ‘The X Factor’ in 2008 at age 14 and later formed the iconic boy band One Direction with Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Horan. The group, signed to Cowell’s Syco Entertainment label, became one of history’s most successful musical acts before going on an indefinite hiatus in 2016.

Filming for Britain’s Got Talent has taken place this week with new guest judge KSI (Picture: Tom Dymond/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

Cowell also played a pivotal role in Payne’s personal life, helping him start a relationship with singer Cheryl, with whom he shares a son, Bear. Cowell’s influence on Payne’s career and life has been widely acknowledged.

Britain’s Got Talent presenters Ant and Dec were seen leaving the Grand hotel in Lancashire after Britain’s Got Talent filming was postponed (Picture: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

The X Factor expressed its condolences in a heartfelt statement on social media, saying, “We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne. He was immensely talented, and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world.”

Today’s auditions were due to be held at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens (Picture: Danny Ryan/Backgrid)

Tributes have poured in from former X Factor stars, including Dermot O’Leary, Olly Murs, Jedward, and Rylan Clark, all honouring Payne’s memory and his impact on their lives. O’Leary recalled, “He was always a joy, had time for everyone, was polite, grateful, and humble. Sending love and prayers to his family.”

Payne originally auditioned for The X Factor when he was 14, before returning two years later (Picture: ITV)

This is a developing story; updates will follow as more information becomes available.