“I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18. I was immediately taken by his voice, but more importantly, over time I got the chance to see the kind brother I longed for had longed for all my life. Liam was an incredible songwriter with a great sense of melody. We often talked about getting back in the studio together to try to recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band.

“And for the record, in my opinion Liam was the most important part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his talent for writing. The list goes on. “Thank you for making your mark on us, Liam,” Tomlinson added.

He also added a message to Payne: “If you're listening,” he wrote, “I feel extremely lucky to have had you in my life, but I'm having a really hard time saying goodbye.” I'm so grateful that we have become even closer, because the band talking for hours on the phone and remembering all the thousands of great memories we had together is a luxury I thought I would have with you for a lifetime. I would have loved to share the stage with you again, but it wasn't to be.

“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me, I will be the uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories about how great his dad was,” Tomlinson added. “I wish I had the chance to say goodbye and tell you again how much I loved you. Payno, my boy, one of my best friends, my brother, I love you, buddy. Sleep well

Former The X Factor Host Dermot O'Leary shared a throwback photo of himself and Payne on the show when he first auditioned in 2008. “The worst news. I remember him when he showed up for the audition as a 14-year-old The X Factorand blew us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing. He was always a cheerful person, had time for everyone, was polite, grateful and always humble. I send love and prayers to his family. Dx,” O’Leary wrote on Instagram.