Liam Payne’s Friend ‘Shocked’ as He Reacts to One Direction Star’s Death Live on Air: ‘First I’m Hearing of It’

Mar. 15, 2025

Ant Middleton and Liam Payne.Photo:ant middleton/instagram

ant middleton/instagram

During Thursday, Oct. 17’s episode of Australia’s Channel 7 morning showSunrise, Ant Middleton, 44 — who filmed the documentaryAnt Middleton & Liam Payne: Straight Talkingwith Payne in 2019 — paid tribute to the singer moments after finding out about the tragedy.

“I speak to Liam quite often, he’s a good friend of mine. And, wow, I’m shocked, this is obviously the first I’m hearing of it,” theSAS: Who Dares Winsstar said of Payne, who died after falling multiple stories at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Middleton added of Payne’s death, “I don’t really know what to say about that. I’m going to have to make sure that I reach out to the relevant people to find out what’s happened to my good friend.”

“But I’m away filming at the moment as you can see, that’s why I’m wet and there’s a bit of noise around me. But yeah, my condolences and I hope they find out what’s gone on,” he continued.

Ant Middleton on ‘Sunrise’.Sunrise/youtube

Sunrise/youtube

“After we filmedStraight Talking with Ant Middleton, we formed a brotherhood. He was like a younger brother to me. He would confide in me, I’d go ‘round and see him,” he shared.

“There were some issues there, but nothing that a young celebrity at his caliber wouldn’t suffer from. So I’m just shocked at the moment really, wow. Yeah. Don’t really know what to say,” Middleton added.

The British adventurer had nothing but kind words to share about the late singer, insisting on the show, “He had a lovely aura around him, he was a lovely guy, he had positive energy around him. He was a visionary, he always thought and dreamed big and that’s why he got to where he was.”

“He was loved. He was one of those band members that was the glue, I believe, for One Direction. It’s a shame to see such a positive individual die so young,” he said.

Ant Middleton and Liam Payne on ‘Ant Middleton & Liam Payne: Straight Talking’.sky/facebook

sky/facebook

Middleton later shared multiple photos onInstagram, including one of the pair posing in front of a stunning sunset.

“That was some sunset you captured there mate! A talented positive man with a good heart. I’m glad our friendship flourished and that I was someone you could confine in,” he captioned the post.

“Your turn to look over me now bro! Luv ya and will miss you sorely… My sincere condolences to @liampayne family during these unimaginable times 🙏🏼💙 #restinpeacebrother,” Middleton concluded.

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Middleton is one of manypeople around the world paying tributeto Payne, who shot to fame alongside his One Direction bandmatesHarry Styles,Zayn Malik,Niall HoranandLouis Tomlinsonafter they appeared onThe X-FactorU.K. in 2010.

Styles, Malik, Horan and Tomlinson have yet to comment on the late musician’s death.

source: people.com