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Simon Cowell speaks out for first time since Liam Payne’s funeral

Simon Cowell has broken his silence after Liam Payne’s funeral (Image: Getty)

Simon Cowell had maintained a sorrowful silence after learning of former One Direction star Liam Payne‘s tragic death this month aged just 31.

He was nowhere to be seen at Winter Wonderland’s VIP launch night, which took place hours after Liam’s funeral, despite planning to attend up until the last minute. Fans had feared he’d been overcome with grief, as the pair had worked closely together after first meeting on X-Factor when Liam was just 14.

However, today Simon broke his silence in an emotional Instagram post. “A few weeks ago, [my wife] Lauren & I attended the @prideofbritain Awards ceremony in London,” he wrote.

“It is always such a moving evening, with so many incredible people who have helped others in times of need. I met a very special lady called Aiyla, who is such an amazing character! I have invited Aiyla and her family to come to @bgt so I look forward to catching up with them soon,” Simon added, attaching pictures from the ceremony.

Their relationship had been a complex one, with Liam meeting with him and asking him for advice prior to his death, but also reportedly feeling that life as a star had left him like a “caged animal”.

Liam allegedly told an onlooker in the lobby of his Buenos Aires hotel on the day of his death: “I used to be in a boy band – that’s why I’m f****d up.”

Meanwhile, after the band split in 2016, Liam chose a different path to the others for his solo deal, one which would take him away from Simon.

While Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson all signed deals with labels owned by Sony, a brand Simon played a major part in, Liam accepted one with Capital Records instead.