Simon Cowell ‘steps down’ from Britain’s Got Talent after Liam Payne’s death --[Reported by Umva mag]

Britain’s Got Talent filming was cancelled following the news of Liam Payne’s death, and now Simon Cowell has reportedly stepped away.

The judge will be replaced by Bruno Tonioli when filming resumes on Saturday, it is claimed.

Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon alongside guest judge KSI, who was hired as a temporary replacement for Tonioli, will also continue fillming for the ITV series.

The decision comes as Cowell, 65, is naturally ‘utterly shocked and devastated’. He has been hit ‘incredibly hard’ by the news.

‘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,’ a source told The Sun.

‘All the judges and production crew are being hugely supportive.’

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.

It was previously announced that filming for the audition stage of BGT – which was created by Cowell – had 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.’ The series began filming earlier this week.

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. Cowell told him to return in two years, and Payne followed the advice.

He once again entered as a solo artist but was put in a boy band alongside Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Horan. They become One Direction, and finished in third place. One Direction were then signed to Cowell’s record label Syco Entertainment, and went on to become one of the most successful groups in music history.

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

Payne also spoke about how Cowell helped his relationship with Cheryl begin. The former couple went on to have son Bear together.

‘I went to Simon’s house, and made a joke about how hot Cheryl was. Simon was like, “I know who’s going to be the next Mrs Payne!’ he said on the Straight Talking with Ant Middleton podcast.

‘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.’

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.

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