James Corden shares heartbreaks as celebrities mourn 'utterly heartbreaking' death of Liam Payne

Tributes have poured in for Liam Payne, the One Direction star who tragically passed away at 31, with James Corden hailing him as a "kind soul."

The Gavin and Stacey actor is among numerous celebrities paying respects after Liam reportedly fell from a third-floor balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires.

In an emotional Instagram post , James, who had hosted Liam on The Late Late Show in 2020, including a Carpool Karaoke segment, wrote: "Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heartbreaking. He was such a loving and kind soul. I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x."

• Who is Kate Cassidy? Inside the life of Liam Payne's girlfriend and their time together in Argentina
• 50 Cent distances himself from P Diddy following 'uncomfortable' encounter and controversial parties

Rita Ora, a close friend and musical collaborator, also shared her condolences. The pair had released a duet, For You, in 2018, which featured in the film Fifty Shades Freed.

Hours after Liam's passing, Rita performed the song on stage in Osaka, Japan, displaying a picture of the two behind her. Overcome with emotion, she struggled to sing the lyrics, holding her head in her hands and confessing: "I can't even sing this right now," reports the Mirror .

Fellow X Factor alum Rebecca Ferguson, who was runner-up on the show, took to her social channels to express her sentiments. She posted: "It's always a hotel room! We both met at Euston station and shared the taxi together to X Factor. I can't help but think of that boy who was hopeful and looking forward to his bright future ahead. If he hadn't jumped on that train and jumped in that taxi I believe he would be alive today."

• Cheryl sums up Liam Payne's character with heartbreaking message
• First photos 'from inside Liam Payne's hotel room' show 'broken TV and white powder'

Rebecca continued: "Rest in peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love to your mum and family x." The artist expressed her wish for Liam to find peace on the other side and extended her condolences to his mother and relatives.

Another former X Factor candidate from the 2010 series, Katie Waissel, has publicly criticized X Factor supremo Simon Cowell after the passing of Liam. In the wake of the confirmation of his death, Katie penned: "My heart is completely torn to shreds right now, I am at an absolute loss for words. If Simon Cowell dare put a statement out on the heart wrenching, tragic loss of my dear and darling friend Liam, he would be a fool. We all know the truth... and I'll be sure it all comes out."

Shortly thereafter, she issued a further statement condemning the music business at large. She remarked: "Liam was kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind, and the wisdom of an old soul. His warmth and compassion left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His tragic passing not only leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him but also serves as a painful reminder of the systemic neglect that persists in the industry."

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .