Simon Cowell cancels Britain’s Got Talent auditions after Liam Payne’s tragic death

BRITAIN’S Got Talent auditions have been cancelled for today in light of Liam Payne’s death.

Simon Cowell, who famously formed Liam’s band One Direction, made a last minute decision this morning as he came to terms with the shock news.

Auditions were due to take place in Blackpool with the judges – Simon, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and KSI, all primed for filming.

A Fremantle UK spokesperson said: "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."

Applause Store, who organised tickets for the filming, also revealed it would not be going ahead today, writing : “Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, BGT has decided to postpone today's auditions in Blackpool. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Amanda, who is a judge on the show, wrote today: “Such an awful tragedy . Sending love to his family and all those who loved him.”

Filming for the talent show kicked off on Tuesday, with the help of Ant and Dec.

YouTube star KSI has stepped in for Bruno Tonioli, who is currently filming Dancing With The Stars in the US.

Tragic death

Last night shockwaves spread throughout the world as news broke that Liam has died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.

Liam died instantly from multiple injuries including a fractured skull caused by his fall.

Buenos Aires emergency services chief Alberto Crescenti said medical teams were unable to save the former One Direction heart-throb when they reached the scene.

It comes as:

• One Direction fans held candlelit vigils outside the hotel
• The singer posted on Snapchat just minutes before his death
• Rylan Clark and Dermot O'Leary paid tribute to the singer
• His ex-fiancée Maya Henry broke her silence after his death
• Liam's girlfriend Kate Cassidy's message before he died
• Harry Styles' mum pays heartbreaking tribute to the star

According to police in Buenos Aires, officers were initially responding to reports "of an aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol".

Pictures showed shocked fans gathering outside the hotel after police cordoned off the area, with forensic investigators in white protective suits and blue gloves seen entering and leaving.

Fans were photographed lighting candles and leaving flowers at the side of the road in an impromptu vigil as they paid tribute to the music star.

Liam and Simon's friendship

Liam previously spoke of his relationship with music mogul Simon and claimed that Simon had created the boy band around him.

He said he "started with my face, and then worked around the rest. I was the honorary member of One Direction. He told me that story himself at his house."

He also recalled how Simon played a part in his romanced with Cheryl, which led to them having a son called Bear.

"I went to Simon’s house, and made a joke about how hot Cheryl was," he explained.

"Simon was like, "I know who’s going to be the next Mrs Payne!""

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."