Simon Cowell 'shocked and devastated' by Liam Payne’s death steps down from 'BGT' judge seat, says source

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Simon Cowell is reportedly taking a step back from filming 'Britain's Got Talent' after the tragic death of Liam Payne.

Liam Payne, the former 'One Direction' singer, died Wednesday, October 16 after falling 45 feet from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, leaving fans and the entertainment industry in shock.

The 'ITV1' show paused production shortly after Payne’s death and is set to resume filming with judge Bruno Tonioli stepping in to fill Cowell’s place while he mourns, according to The Sun.

Simon Cowell mentored Liam Payne leading to One Direction's formation

Simon Cowell's history of mentoring Liam Payne began when the One Direction singer first auditioned for Cowell's series, 'The X Factor', in 2008, and then again in 2010, which led to the formation of the band.

During the show's seventh season, Payne joined Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik to complete the boyband.

They released five studio albums, including one without Malik, before taking a hiatus in January 2016.

Cowell is reportedly now "shocked and devastated" by the news of the pop star’s death.

“This news has hit Simon incredibly hard - he is utterly shocked and devastated,” a source told the publication.

“He adored Liam, and was close to his family with whom he is sure to reach out privately," the source added saying Cowell didn’t feel it was appropriate to continue filming at this time.

"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,” the source said.

As Cowell grieves, his fellow judges, including Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI, along with production crew members, have shown him great support.

On Thursday, 'The X Factor' shared a tribute to Payne on X (formerly Twitter).

"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," the statement read. "Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him."

'Britain’s Got Talent' auditions paused in wake of Liam Payne’s death

A spokesperson for Fremantle UK, the production company behind 'Britain’s Got Talent', confirmed on October 17 that auditions for the show had been halted.

In a statement, they expressed their condolences to Payne’s loved ones.

"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."

Shortly after hearing of Payne's death, Cowell, 65, who had signed One Direction to his Syco label, canceled Blackpool auditions.

The Applause Store, which organizes tickets for the show, made the first announcement on X, confirming the postponement.

"We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause," the company wrote.

"We are devastated about the very sad news about @LiamPayne," the company shared in another post, adding their condolences.

Katie Waissel and Rebecca Ferguson on music industry 'exploitation' after Liam Payne’s death

Katie Waissel, who auditioned alongside Liam Payne in the 2010 series of 'The X Factor', criticized Simon Cowell and music executives in the aftermath of Payne's death, accusing them of prioritizing profits over the well-being of artists.

Waissel stated, "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 further described Payne as "my confidant and my rock" and added that the music industry must prioritize the welfare of artists in a long statement on X.

"Contracts, whether they are for television shows or record deals, come with a legal and moral duty of care that must be upheld," Waissel noted.

Fellow 'The X Factor' alum Rebecca Ferguson also weighed in, commenting on the exploitation of young stars in the industry.

"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," Ferguson wrote.

Liam Payne’s family and Simon Cowell's close connection

Liam Payne’s family, heartbroken by the sudden loss, released a statement expressing their grief.

"Liam will forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny, and brave soul," the family shared in a statement released to multiple outlets.

“We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time,” they added according to media reports. 

Cowell had a deep connection with Payne and played a role in shaping his career and personal life.

Payne once shared how Cowell helped form One Direction around him, saying, "He started with my face, and then worked around the rest. I was the honorary member of One Direction."

He also credited Cowell with playing a part in his relationship with Cheryl Cole, with whom he shares a son named Bear.

"I went to Simon’s house, and made a joke about how hot Cheryl was,” Payne recalled. “Simon was like, 'I know who’s going to be the next Mrs. Payne!'" The Sun reported.

Liam continued, "Then I was in a bar and Niall came in and told me that Cheryl liked me."

"I was like "Cheryl? Cheryl?" Niall was in Simon’s dressing room, Simon said my name, she went red and left. So I hit her up," the late singer said previously.