Simon Cowell cancels Britain’s Got Talent filming today after Liam Payne’s death

Britain’s Got Talent filming has been cancelled for today following the news of Liam Payne’s death.

On Wednesday, it was announced that the singer and former X Factor star had died aged 31 after falling off a balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The star had been in the country to support his One Direction bandmate Niall Horan at his concert, which he attended earlier this month with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy.

This week, filming began for ITV series Britain’s Got Talent, with Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon returning to the judging panel alongside guest judge KSI, a temporary replacement for Bruno Tonioli.

It has now been announced that filming for the audition stage of the show– which was created by Cowell – has been halted in the wake of Payne’s death.

In a statement, Applause store, who organised the tickets for filming, announced: ‘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.’

Payne found fame when he competed on The X Factor on ITV, having first auditioned in 2008 when he was 14 years old and making it through to the judges’ houses stage of the competition.

Two years later he returned, originally entering as a solo artist and then being put in a boy band alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik to become One Direction, who would go on to become one of the most successful groups in music history.

After finishing in third place, One Direction were signed to judge Cowell’s record label Syco Entertainment.

The group went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016, as the singers all embarked on successful solo careers.

The X Factor paid tribute to Payne in a statement shared on social media, which read: ‘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.

‘Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all who loved him.’

Former X Factor stars including Dermot O’Leary, Olly Murs, Jedward and Rylan Clark have also honoured Payne’s memory in heartfelt tributes.

‘The worst news. I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing,’ X Factor presenter O’Leary said on Instagram.

‘He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family. Dx.’

Metro.co.uk has contacted Britain’s Got Talent representatives for comment.