The production team behind Britain’s Got Talent has announced the postponement of its upcoming filming sessions due to the recent death of Liam Payne, the former One Direction member.
Britain’s Got Talent, which has run for 17 successful seasons, is a beloved talent competition show. This series is part of the Got Talent franchise, originally developed and owned by Simon Cowell through his company, Syco Entertainment. Since its debut in 2006, the show has resulted in numerous spin-offs across more than 69 countries.
On Thursday, October 17, a representative from Fremantle UK, the production and distribution company, confirmed this decision in an email to People.
“In light of the tragic loss of Liam Payne, we have opted to delay the auditions for Britain’s Got Talent. Our thoughts are with Liam’s family, friends, and all who cared for him,”the statement read.
Liam and his bandmates first gained fame on The X Factor in 2010, a show also produced by Fremantle UK and Syco Entertainment. After finishing third in the seventh season of the British singing competition, Simon Cowell signed the group to his label, Syco Records.
Additionally, Applause Store, the ticket distributor, shared on X (formerly Twitter) on October 17 that the auditions scheduled for Blackpool, England, would be postponed following Liam’s passing.
Criticism of Simon Cowell from Former X Factor Contestants after Liam Payne’s Death
In the wake of Liam’s death, fellow X Factor contestant and friend Katie Waissel took to X on October 17 to voice her feelings regarding Simon Cowell. She conveyed her sorrow over the loss of her friend and suggested that Simon would be foolish to release a statement about Liam’s passing, hinting at a fraught relationship between Simon and Liam.
Her tweet received significant attention, racking up over 5 million views and more than 71,000 likes. Katie often utilizes social media to express her critiques of Simon Cowell, with whom she competed in 2010 alongside Liam.
In another tweet, Katie referred to Liam as her “confidant”and “rock,”while further criticizing Simon Cowell for his alleged disregard for the mental and physical health of the artists he represented. She also noted a comment made by Simon during an episode of The Diary of a CEO podcast, where he expressed regrets about not retaining the rights to the One Direction name.
Katie has stepped away from her music career to pursue a law degree, intending to take legal action against Simon Cowell and Syco Entertainment.
Rebecca Ferguson, another singer who appeared on X Factor in 2010 alongside Liam, also spoke out on X following the news of his passing. She nostalgically recalled sharing a cab ride to the audition and criticized the show for its exploitation practices, particularly concerning high contract demands.
“I have long spoken about the exploitation and profit-taking of young stars and the lasting effects – many of us continue to deal with the repercussions and trauma,”Rebecca remarked.
Following the news, tributes poured in for Liam Payne from across the music industry. Former X Factor judge and industry veteran Sharon Osbourne condemned the music industry for its role in Liam’s struggles, stating that he was let down and lacked support in his time of need.
The official account for The X Factor expressed their sorrow via X, stating they were “heartbroken”by Liam’s passing and conveyed condolences to his family, friends, and all who loved him.
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