Stars pay tribute to One Direction star Liam Payne after 'gut-wrenching' death

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Tributes have been pouring in after the death of One Direction star Liam Payne.

The 31-year-old singer died outside a hotel in Argentina's capital, after falling from the third floor, police said.

He rose to fame after appearing on X Factor in 2010, where the world-famous boy band was formed.

TV presenter Dermot O'Leary, who presented the show at the time, called it "the worst news".

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Liam Payne's X Factor audition

Alongside a photo of O'Leary and Payne standing on stage together, he wrote on Instagram: "The worst news. 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."

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Read more: What we know so far

Singer Charlie Puth, who collaborated with Payne on the track Bedroom Floor, posted on Instagram: "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 cannot believe he is gone."

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Fans hold a vigil for Liam Payne outside hotel

Jack Johnson, one half of American rap duo Jack & Jack, called out social media users for their treatment of the former One Direction star.

"If this Liam Payne news is true that s**t is honestly so gut-wrenching... was such a nice guy the few times me and G ran into him, f*** the Internet for being so ruthless over the past few months," he wrote on X.

Latest updates: Former One Direction star found dead at hotel

Anne Twist, the mother of former bandmate Harry Styles, posted a broken heart emoji on Instagram with the caption: "Just a boy..." while socialite Paris Hilton called the singer's death "so upsetting" in a post on X.

"Sending love and condolences to his family and loved ones," she wrote.

"RIP my friend."

Former X Factor contestant Rylan said Payne's death was "so tragic", while X Factor singing duo Jedward sent their love to his six-year-old son.

"Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear, and all the One Direction family," they wrote on X.

A statement on MTV's official social media accounts said: "We're deeply saddened to learn of Liam Payne's tragic passing today. During this difficult time, our hearts remain with his family, loved ones, and fans."