Liam Payne’s ex Danielle Peazer reveals he messaged her weeks before his death as she pays touching tribute

"Whilst we all take the time to navigate in a world without Liam, it's important to remember that while he was adored by millions as a world famous musician for the last decade, he was also someone's son and brother for more than 30 years, a friend to so many and more recently an uncle.

"His most important role and something he was the most proud of out of all of his monumental successes was that he was a father.

"The thought that there is a now a child growing up without one of their parents is heartbreaking and unfair.

"To Liam's son Bear, as well as his parents and sisters, my love, thoughts and strength goes to you. The magnitude of this loss is incomprehensible and I will continue to support you in any way I am able to.

"LJP, This still doesn't feel real. Despite being aware of your struggles over the years, I hoped and prayed that this day would never come.

"But now we're all facing the reality of living a life without your presence.
It's common at times like this for people to say 'I hope he knew how much I cared about him' but I know that you knew how I felt, it was one thing we were really good at being brutally honest with our feelings for each other, whether the other wanted to hear it or not.

"At times you were my favourite person in the whole world, but you could also wind me up so much and I probably annoyed the hell out of you sometimes too.

"It was something we learned to accept of each other over 14 years, we could disagree on so many things yet still look out for each other in times of need and laugh about our disagreements and petty behaviour 10 mins later.

"Our relationship may have ended back in 2013, but that seemed to be just the start of our story.

"The things we went through and
experienced from then all the way until last year could be described as unique to some and misunderstood by others, but I think deep down we always knew we'd have some sort of connection forever, no matter where our individual lives took us.

"It took a little longer for you to figure out the person you wanted to be in order to be your happiest, but whilst most of us have our teens and twenties to learn about ourselves, you spent those years giving more to the world than you ever needed to.

"I wish you knew that you were always more than enough for this world without having to search for a role to play just to please others.

"Thank you for teaching me about the importance of setting boundaries, and that I should always protect my heart.

"Receiving a message from you a couple of weeks ago expressing your happiness for the love I found with Sonny and Mia is something I'll cherish forever.

"I'm sorry your story didn't end differently, and I'm sorry you didn't ever get to share more of your magic with the world.

"Rest easy my friend. Love Danielle x."

SHOCKED fans, former co-workers, loved ones and friends flooded social media with sad tributes to Liam Payne after news of his death emerged.

Harry Styles’ mum Anne was among the first from One Direction's camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing 'Just a boy...' alongside a broken heart emoji.

Britain's Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared an image of the pair together with the words: "Such an awful tragedy.

"Sending love to his family and all those who loved him."

X Factor star Olly Murs told fans he was "devastated" and "lost for words".

He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life now end so young hits hard, I’m truly gutted and devastated for his Family and of course his son Bear losing a dad x".

Liam Gallagher said he was "very sad" and told his followers on X: "Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, go easy."

Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary has also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning.

He said: “I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.

“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.”

BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the "devastating news" on her show and told fans she hugged her own son Woody tight this morning.

JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: "I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys whilst auditioning for X Factor..he was 14 years old..

"We instantly clicked and looked at him as a little brother..that year it worked out for us but not for him and then 2 years later he went back to audition and One Direction was born..the rest is history..

"Absolutely heartbroken by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..just can’t believe that things have ended this way..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends brother..RIP."

Niall Horan's brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, praising him as a "top young man".

He added: "You will be forever missed. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and mind him now while the world shows their memories of you and him and the boys.

"My heart goes out to your family parents and sisters and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.

"10th October we met and we started out that evening as 5 families into one big one 1D family thank you for all the laughs bro watch down on all your family and mind them lots of love kiddo x x x 1D 4 LIFE x x x"

German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, has taken to X with a devastated statement.

The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: "RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real…absolutely heartbreaking…"

American singer, Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and also collaborated with him on a song called Bedroom Floor, has posted a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.

Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: "I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me.

"He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone...

"I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace. I am so sorry..."

Irish singer duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: "RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family."

In another tweet, they added: "Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And all the One direction Family. RIP Liam Payne."

American media personality Paris Hilton shared: "So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones. RIP my friend."

ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a news video about Liam's tragic death on Instagram, adding: "Can't believe this! RIP Liam."

Meanwhile Love Island star Molly Marsh penned: "I'm so taken aback, rest in peace."

James Cordon also paid his own tribute, describing the star as a "loving and kind soul".

The Gavin and Stacey actor wrote on Instagram: "Talking about Liam in the past tense is utterly heart-breaking.

"I will treasure the moments I got to spend with him. My thoughts are with his family today x."

Payne previously appeared on Cordon's The Late Late Show in America.

Former Little Mix star Jade Thirwall - who won X Factor with her bandmates one year after One Direction took part - described him as "the first friend I made in this industry".

She said: "We fell out of touch as the years went by, but back in 2008 he was the first friend I made in this industry.

"Both of us so young, so ambitious, both hoping we'd 'make it'. I hope you are at peace now".

Camila Cabello described his death as a "tragedy" and said he "made an impression" on her when she was a young girl.