Radio host Scott Mills has shared the response he received from Liam Payne's father after he paid tribute to the late singer on air following the news of his death.
It was announced last week that Liam, best known for having been a member of One Direction, passed away, aged 31, on Wednesday after falling from a balcony in Argentina. The news was met with tributes, including from celebrity pals.
Among them was Scott, 51, who paid tribute on his BBC Radio 2 the following day. More recently, he shared with listeners on Tuesday afternoon that Liam's father Geoff Payne, who's spent time out in Buenos Aires following his son's death in the city, had messaged him over the tribute.
After playing One Direction's Night Changes during the radio show, Scott said: "Now, he won't mind me saying this but [...] I was texting Liam's dad the other day when he was in Argentina. [...] And he said he has posted our tribute that we did to Liam last week on the family WhatsApp group and they all really, really loved it."
Scott continued: "And he thought all the messages and comments that you put underneath the video on Radio 2's Instagram were so wonderful. He's read all of them and he just wanted me to tell you. And for him to reach out and say thank you like that during such a difficult time, just shows you what I've known for 10 or more years - what a kind, kind family they are. So thank you Geoff, sending you all our love and to all the family as well."
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Getty Images for BFI)Image:
Getty Images for BAFTA)Last week, Scott reminisced over his friendship with Liam and shared a message for Geoff. He said on his radio show last Thursday: "The tragic news about [Liam] is a really hard one to take in because I never thought we would have to say goodbye to him so soon. I had so much fun with One Direction, as a lot of you will know, over the years, and they're memories that will stay with me for life, and Liam was such a big part of it."
Scott reminded that he "saw all of them so much" earlier in the band's career when he worked on BBC Radio 1. He also recalled laughing with Liam over Geoff wanting a selfie with Scott at a film premiere, despite having already met celebrities like David Beckham and Mariah Carey.
Teary-eyed, Scott added: "So, Geoff, I don't know if you're hearing this, but my heart goes out to you today and to the rest of Liam's family, and, of course, to his little boy. I just feel so incredibly sad about all of this. Liam, we had so much fun. You were always the kindest, most caring person to me. Thank you for letting me be part of your ride. I will never forget it."
Footage of the tribute was shared on BBC Radio 2's Instagram and the post has amassed more than 120,000 likes on the platform. It prompted an outpouring of supportive messages at the time, with fans taking to the comment section.
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