Heartbreaking 'daddy' floral tribute for Liam Payne at funeral

by · Mail Online

A heartbreaking floral tribute from Liam Payne's son Bear has today been seen outside the church where mourners have gathered for the One Direction star's funeral. 

White roses forming the word 'Daddy' was placed next to one in the shape of a bowling ball hitting some pins in a touching nod to the 31-year-old's passion for the game. 

Liam had spent his birthday in August bowling with his family and girlfriend Kate Cassidy just weeks before he fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

A horse-drawn carriage carried the dark blue coffin with silver handles and topped with white roses to the service in the Home Counties.

On top of the carriage, there was a red floral tribute which said 'son' and a blue tribute which said 'daddy'.

Some grieving family and friends arrived at the private service with Batman stickers on their windscreens in a subtle nod for his love of the superhero. 

It showed the logo of the black bat on a white background.

A heartbreaking floral tribute from Liam Payne 's son Bear has today been seen outside the church where mourners have gathered for the One Direction star's funeral
Former One Direction band member Harry Styles after the funeral service. A Batman sticker can be seen on the windscreen of a car 
A floral display showing bowling pins and a ball. This is a nod to Payne's love of bowling, which his girlfriend Kate Cassidy said he did four times a week
Payne, pictured in Dubai last year, died aged 31 on October 16 after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires

Liam's love for the caped crusader is well documented having posed with his Batman cake for his 19th birthday. 

He was also pictured in 2017 wearing a Lego Batman chain while he has previously dressed up as the Gotham City hero for Jonathan Ross' Halloween party.

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It is also thought he once had a life-size cutout of Batman in his room, reported The Mirror. 

His former partner Cheryl today bid an emotional final goodbye as he was laid to rest.

The former Girls Aloud singer, 41, walked behind her ex's coffin following a poignant ceremony attended by family members and a host of stars from the world of music and sport.

Harry Styles, 30, joined fellow members of One Direction Niall Horan, 31, Zayn Malik, 31, and Louis Tomlinson, 32, to celebrate the life of their beloved former bandmate. They have described themselves as 'completely devastated'.

Simon Cowell, who created One Direction, embraced Payne's parents Geoff and Karen as they left the church, while Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25, was comforted by her friend Damian Hurley, 22.

Payne's father Geoff outside the front door of the church as he waits for the hearse to arrive 
Cheryl leaving the church following an emotional ceremony attended by family members and a host of stars
The singer's parents both watched as their son's coffin was brought into the building 
Louis Tomlinson was seen talking to mourners before walking into the service 
It was then placed into a waiting hearse. The service is being followed by a private wake 
Payne's coffin is carried out of the church by pallbearers following the service 
Kimberley Walsh, a former member of Girls Aloud, leaves through the churchyard 
Payne's girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25, was comforted by her friend Damian Hurley, 22
Zayn Malik, who wore a black jacket, jack shirt and dark sunglasses, walks through the churchyard after the service concluded 
Niall Horan was accompanied by Amelia Woolley, his girlfriend of four years 
Louis Tomlinson leaves the church holding an order of service 

Cheryl was in a relationship with Payne between 2016 and 2018 and they share a son, Bear. She was supported at the service by fellow Girls Aloud members Nicola Roberts, 39, and Kimberley Walsh, 43.

Joining them were the likes of new Radio 2 Breakfast DJ Scott Mills, James Corden and Marvin and Rochelle Humes.

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Cheryl says final farewell to Liam Payne as singer attends private church service for her ex

Following the service, his coffin was carried outside and placed inside a black Jaguar hearse.  

Other celebrities who attended the service included Capital radio DJs Chris Stark, Jordan North and Sian Welby, who all arrived together.

Scott Mills, who spent a lot of time with One Direction in the early days of their career, wore a black long coat over dark trousers for the service.

Former professional footballer Robbie Keane and broadcaster Adrian Chiles were also amongst the mourners gathering to pay their last respects.

Niall Horan and his girlfriend Amelia Woolley were dropped off by a black Range Rover and went straight into the church, while Harry Styles was accompanied by actor and presenter James Corden.

JLS star Marvin Humes wore a long back coat, black trousers and black gloves while Rochelle also donned a long coat with cape detailing.

The funeral's location had been a closely guarded secret, and local residents only realised it was taking place when 'no parking' signs were erected around the church.

A handful of locals and fans gathered outside the church to pay their final respects.