Ant Middleton gets emotional as he talks about his bond with Liam Payne just moments after news of pop star’s death broke: ‘Like a younger brother’

Ant Middleton gets emotional as he talks about his bond with Liam Payne just moments after news of pop star's death broke: 'Like a younger brother'

As I delve deeper into the rollercoaster ride that is Liam Payne’s life, it’s impossible not to be moved by his resilience and courage. His journey, from the heights of fame with One Direction to the depths of personal battles, is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure and grow stronger.


Ant Middleton responded to the news of his friend Liam Payne’s passing during a live broadcast on Thursday morning.

On Wednesday evening at around 5 pm, it’s said that a previous member of One Direction, aged 31, fell from the third level of CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires.

Forty-four-year-old Ant found it hard to hold back emotions while recounting some special moments he spent with the singer during their chat on The Morning Show.

In 2019, when Liam joined him for the documentary “Ant Middleton & Liam Payne: Straight Talking,” he saw Liam as more of a younger sibling.

For three days in Namibia, they filmed their series while forming a tight bond through shared experiences such as outrunning lions, riding freight trains, rappelling, and sleeping outdoors beneath the night sky.

In a heartfelt moment, Ant expressed, “We grew very close. He was more than just a friend; he felt like a younger sibling to me. He shared his deepest feelings with me,” Ant added, struggling to hold back tears.

I plan on dropping by to visit him. After all, he’s a well-known figure, so it’s not surprising that he encounters certain challenges, just like any other young celebrity might.

‘So, I’m just shocked at the moment, really. I don’t really know what to say.’

Ant Middleton gets emotional as he talks about his bond with Liam Payne just moments after news of pop star's death broke: 'Like a younger brother'

Ant and Liam had their initial encounter during the grand opening of Mark Wahlberg’s Wahlburgers eatery located in Covent Garden, London.

Previously, Ant had informed The Standard that they often met for chats over coffee and exchanged stories about their respective kids.

He shared that he empathized with Liam’s feelings of seclusion and his difficulties adjusting back to regular life after being in one of the most popular boy bands of the century.

Liam shared then that he often opened up to Ant, revealing almost all his secrets by saying, “I’ve shared most of my life with Ant.

In that specific circumstance, it felt like a relief for both of us, in a sense. Also, there were topics I had never shared my thoughts on before.

Ant Middleton gets emotional as he talks about his bond with Liam Payne just moments after news of pop star's death broke: 'Like a younger brother'
Ant Middleton gets emotional as he talks about his bond with Liam Payne just moments after news of pop star's death broke: 'Like a younger brother'

The documentary forced long, candid discussions about fatherhood, drinking, and relationships between the two famous men. 

The pair had no camera, no cell service, and no fans. 

Over the course of their interaction, Liam confided in Ant that having a child at 23 had left quite an impact on him.

He mentioned during the documentary that Cheryl (Cole) remains the most significant individual in his life, speaking about his former partner and the mother of his child, Bear.

Liam commented, in a way that now seems prophetic, by saying that the age at which one becomes famous is also the age they may ultimately relinquish their fame, as he pondered over the enduring effects of being part of One Direction.

‘I’m quite lucky to be here still.’

Ant Middleton gets emotional as he talks about his bond with Liam Payne just moments after news of pop star's death broke: 'Like a younger brother'

Liam reportedly fell from a hotel in Buenos, Argentina on Wednesday around 5pm (ART).

Alberto Crescenti, speaking on behalf of the city ambulance service, confirmed that Payne had fallen approximately 40 meters, resulting in injuries so severe that they proved fatal.

5:04 PM saw the sounding of an alarm, indicating there was someone found unresponsive on Casa Sur’s inner courtyard. By 5:11 PM, an ambulance had arrived, and sadly, the individual was pronounced dead.

Later on, we discovered that he was a renowned vocalist. Regrettably, the damage from his fall ultimately proved lethal, and there was no hope for reviving him.

Earlier this month, it was noticed that the singer from “The Night Changes” was present at a live show by his ex-bandmate, Niall Horan, in the nation.

Ant Middleton gets emotional as he talks about his bond with Liam Payne just moments after news of pop star's death broke: 'Like a younger brother'

2008 marked the beginning of Liam’s musical journey as he debuted in the industry following his audition for The X Factor at the tender age of 14. This audition was held before a panel that included Simon Cowell, Cheryl, Louis Walsh, and Dannii Minogue.

Originally eliminated from the reality show, he came back in the year 2010 and eventually united with Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson to establish the boy band known as One Direction.

In a stunning turn of events, the team clinched the third position on The X Factor, and later soared to worldwide fame, churning out chart-topping songs like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Live While We’re Young.

Five studio albums were issued by the band, among them being “Up All Night” (released in 2011), “Midnight Memories” (from 2013), and “Made In The A.M.” (released in 2015), following Malik’s exit from the group.

In 2016, One Direction went on an infinite hiatus.

Ant Middleton gets emotional as he talks about his bond with Liam Payne just moments after news of pop star's death broke: 'Like a younger brother'

Over the course of his life, Liam has faced various health issues, addiction to alcohol, and frequent bouts of suicidal thoughts.

2021 saw him sharing his personal struggles with depression and substance abuse during his tenure with One Direction on the Diary Of A CEO podcast.

“I found myself questioning just how low I might sink. What is the absolute lowest point for me, and I assure you, no one would have noticed. I’ve become quite adept at concealing it.

When host questioned if Liam’s dark thoughts included ‘suicidal ideation,’ the singer said ‘Yes.’

Absolutely. There are certain aspects of my past that I’ve never shared before. They were extremely challenging and difficult to confront. It was an issue that needed addressing, and it wasn’t until I looked at myself in the mirror that I realized I needed to make some changes for the better.

In simpler terms, Payne remembered viewing pictures where he appeared ‘swollen,’ which he referred to as his “drinking-and-medication” expression.

‘My face was just, like, 10 times more than it is now. I just didn’t like myself very much, and then I made a change.’

Ant Middleton gets emotional as he talks about his bond with Liam Payne just moments after news of pop star's death broke: 'Like a younger brother'

In the month of August last year, Payne fell ill with a serious kidney infection during a vacation at Lake Como in Italy, and had to be admitted to a hospital.

Due to his ailment, he decided to postpone his South American tour so that he could rest and get better. He announced this on social media at the appropriate time.

With regret, I must inform you that I’m forced to delay my forthcoming tour across South America.

He added: ‘Over the past week I’ve been in hospital with a serious kidney infection, it’s something I wouldn’t wish on anyone, and doctors orders are that I now need to rest and recover.’

I was incredibly thrilled to join your team, and to those who purchased tickets, I truly apologize.

After being hospitalized, it was reported by The Sun that Payne found it difficult to deal with life after his time in One Direction, a struggle shared by his worried friends.

Ant Middleton gets emotional as he talks about his bond with Liam Payne just moments after news of pop star's death broke: 'Like a younger brother'

A friend shared with the media that it wasn’t really unexpected, given that he’s had some tough times lately.

‘Liam struggled so much in the band due to the heavy workload and being in the spotlight.’

Originally, he was just an ordinary young man before One Direction. Therefore, the celebrity lifestyle within that bubble seemed unfamiliar and overwhelming to him, and the limitations placed upon him became particularly challenging.

‘His partying since the band’s break could well be a reaction to this.’

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2024-10-17 05:04

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