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Tributes paid to One Direction star Liam Payne
Image source, Reuters
Fans and celebrities around the world have paid tribute to One Direction star Liam Payne after the singer died in Argentina, aged 31.
Singers Rita Ora, Olly Murs and Charlie Puth are some of those who have shared their messages online, along with DJ Greg James.
The UK prime minister's office said Sir Keir Starmer's "sincere condolences are with Liam's family and friends".
The X Factor, the ITV music talent show where One Direction was formed, said that Liam "was immensely talented" and "will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world."
Image source, Getty Images
Singer Liam rose to fame as part of One Direction on the X Factor TV show in 2010.
He had progressed as a solo singer to the judges' house in 2008 at just 14 years old, but was not successful.
Liam was was determined to try again, and returned to the X Factor two years later.
As he progressed through the first stages of the competition, a last-minute decision was made by the judges for Liam to form a boyband with four other contestants - Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik.
Together the group became One Direction.
Despite not winning X Factor, One Direction went on to become one of the world's biggest bands, with fans all over the world.
In 2015 Zayn announced that he was leaving One Direction and in 2016 the others announced they were taking a break and went on to be solo artists.
Since then there had been lots of rumours about a reunion, but it hasn't happened.
Tributes from around the world
Fans in Argentina have been gathering together to pay their tributes, as have fans in Wolverhampton where Liam was born.
Fellow pop star Rita Ora said: "He had the kindest soul, I will never forget. I loved working with him so much - he was just such a joy to be around on and off stage."
Singer Olly Murs, who starred the X Factor a year before One Direction did, said on Instagram he was "lost for words" following Liam Payne’s death.
Radio One's Breakfast show host Greg James said it was "sad news" and it was important for fans to "be understanding" and "take care and share thoughts with others".
US musician Charlie Puth expressed his "shock" and sadness. "Liam was always so kind to me," he said on social media.
Liam's family said he would "forever live in our hearts and we'll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul."
