Simon Cowell consoled by Liam Payne's parents as they share hug after emotional funeral

Simon Cowell was supported by the parents of Liam Payne as he attended the funeral of the departed star.

Liam, the former One Direction member, died tragically at the age of 31 last month on October 16 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The bereaved Geoff, Liam's father, travelled to Argentina and returned with his son’s body two weeks ago, allowing for a final farewell to take place in the UK.

Read more: Liam Payne's order of service shows final act of kindness from star as he's laid to rest

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At today's private service, loved ones gathered to lay Liam to rest.

Simon Cowell, the X Factor judge who played a pivotal role in forming One Direction in 2010, was present alongside his fiancée Lauren Silverman. He was seen receiving comfort from Geoff and Karen, Liam's parents, outside the church in a poignant display of shared grief.

Dressed solemnly in black, Simon had previously shared a heartfelt social media post about Liam, stating: "You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.

"This is so difficult to put into words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together. I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me. What is Liam like? And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans", reports the Mirror.

Simon also offered comfort to fellow mourners at the funeral after the service. A witness told the Mirror: "Liam's former One Direction bandmates stood shoulder to shoulder, their grief clear, as they exchanged quiet words and comforting embraces. Simon Cowell, his face still etched with sorrow, was seen consoling Liam's friend and family, offering no doubt heartfelt words amid the shared pain."

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Liam's former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik attended the service.

Other celebrities paying their respects to Liam included Kimberly Walsh, Nicola Roberts, Robbie Keane, Marvin Humes and his wife Rochelle. Liam's girlfriend Kate Cassidy also attended his funeral with the support of Damien Hurley.

Kate and Liam had been dating for two years.

Cheryl was spotted attending the funeral. Following Liam's passing, Cheryl vowed to "make sure" their son Bear is aware of his late father Liam.

The Girls Aloud singer had a well-known relationship with Liam from 2016 to 2018. She shared a heartbreaking statement on Instagram, expressing that their son must now "face the reality of never seeing his father again".