Liam Payne's final meeting with Simon Cowell as friends shared 'special' bond and playdates with sons

Liam Payne has sadly died at the young age of 31. Tony Cowell, brother to Simon Cowell, has shared his memories of their 15-year friendship, recalling intimate moments from when he first met the "sweet" teenager, through the whirlwind of One Direction's fame, and subsequent events.

He also fondly remembers their last meeting and how Liam maintained a close bond with his mentor Simon, seeking advice and organising playdates for their young sons. The last time Tony saw him, he was greeted warmly by Liam and his wife Emma.

Tony said: "It had been a little while since we'd last seen him, but it was as if it was just 10 minutes ago. He was always exactly the same, no matter how long it had been. I knew Liam for 15 years and he hadn't changed at all from the sweet 16-year-old we all first met at The X Factor. He was just an angel."

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Speaking about Liam's early days of fame, Tony explained how "it was a dream come true for him" and that "off stage, there was a quiet nervousness about him, but when he was on stage, it was as if he was home."

Tony added: "He was consistently kind and gentle, and as I observed him mature over the years, he remained the same grounded lad he was at 16. Having known him for half his life, I can attest that his unchanged demeanour is a testament to his upbringing, manners, and humility," reports OK! Magazine.

Speaking about Liam's relationship with Simon, Tony said: "Simon and Cheryl were always very close, so Liam's relationship with Cheryl and the birth of Bear brought them even closer. Becoming a father transformed his life. It made him grow up. It grounded him and filled him with an unexpected love. Whenever he spoke about Bear, his eyes would light up."

Liam would often visit Simon and take Bear along with him. Tony added: "He felt at ease with Eric and Simon and continued to seek Simon's advice and guidance. Throughout the years, as he faced various challenges and tried to find his footing, Simon was always there to lend a hand. Their mutual respect remained intact."

Speaking about Liam's tragic death, Tony expressed that his sudden absence "feels surreal, like a terrible nightmare, leaving the family utterly heartbroken". In tribute to Liam, Tony said: "He was ambitious and took everything seriously. Back then, no one could have predicted that they would become global superstars. They conquered America. They achieved things that no boy band had done since the Beatles.

"His life ending so abruptly and at such a young age is heartbreaking. My thoughts are with his family. They were always so close and proud of him. I will always remember him as a young boy starting out, seeking advice, being so warm and friendly to Simon and my mum. I will cherish the memories of his sweet smile and his warm hugs.

"Now, there will be a flurry of speculation and analysis of aspects of his life that he may have wished to keep private. However, I hope the focus remains on his remarkable musical legacy and the happiness he brought to millions, which is an enduring part of music history.

"Despite the global outpouring of sorrow, I'll remember him as a handsome young man grappling with his inner demons. And there's a little seven year old who no longer has his father. Today, I believe that's all we can contemplate."