X Factor boss Simon Cowell joins One Direction at Liam Payne's funeral as he arrives hand in hand with Lauren Silverman
As many stars gather to attend the funeral of former One Direction star Liam Payne, Simon Cowell was amongst the first to arrive.
Simon - who was spotted holding hands with his fiancée Lauren Silverman - opted for all black as they head to the entrance of the church, which is filled with flowers including a floral tribute of bowling pins being knocked over by a ball has been placed outside in a nod to Liam’s much loved pastime.
Liam - who shot to fame alongside band members Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik -tragically fell to his death last month from the balcony of his hotel room in Argentina at just 31 years old.
READ MORE: Girls Aloud arrive at Liam Payne funeral as stars and family gather for final farewell
Preparations are underway for the day, as more of Liam's friends and family were seen arriving, including his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, who was joined by Elizabeth Hurley's son Damian and a security guard as she made her way to the entrance.
Meanwhile, Liam's ex partner Cheryl's Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberly Walsh and Nicola Roberts were also there to pay their respects, and they could also be seen dressed in black as they head inside. Nicola was pictured in an emotional embrace with a friend outside the funeral, before the service started.
The star's former bandmates Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson have also arrived at the funeral, with Niall Horan and Zayn Malik also expected to be in attendance. Rochelle and Marvin Humes were also pictured outside the service.
Liam first shot to stardom in 2011 following his journey on The X Factor, where he was famously grouped by judge Simon Cowell with fellow singers Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan to form the global sensation known as One Direction. Struck by the heart-breaking loss, Simon stepped back from his role on Britain's Got Talent amid auditions as he mourned the loss of Liam, whose talent he once nurtured on the path to worldwide fame.
At the time of Liam's sad death, Simon paid a moving tribute to him, who he first met on the X Factor when he was just 14. Reflecting on their journey together, Simon said: "You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.
He added: "This is so difficult to put into words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together. I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans."
Simon also reminisced about their first meeting and said: "I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn't your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again. A lot of people would have given up. You didn't. You came back and within months the whole world knew Liam. And you never forgot the fans.
"I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared. You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we reminisced about all of the fun times we had together. And how proud you were to be a Dad. After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I had met all of those years ago.
"I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eye that you have. And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it. I always thought of the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And regarding their messages today I believe you were. And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon. Rest in peace my friend. And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family. Simon."
