Bruno Tonioli was seen arriving at the Britain’s Got Talent auditions in Blackpool on Saturday after filling in for Simon Cowell, who was left devastated by the tragic death of Liam Payne.
The former One Direction star died at age 31 after falling 45 feet from a third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palmero Hotel in Argentina on Wednesday.
Filming was stopped as a mark of respect before it was reported that Simon would be stepping back and that former judge Bruno would be recruited as his replacement.
The former Strictly star, 68, who joined the panel last year before being replaced by YouTube star KSI, 31, shielded her eyes behind sunglasses as she arrived at Winter Gardens as she resumed filming of the talent show.
He cut a casual figure in a dark sports jacket that he layered over a white T-shirt and waved to fans as he entered the theater.
Bruno Tonioli, 68, was seen arriving at the Britain’s Got Talent auditions in Blackpool on Saturday after filling in for Simon Cowell, who was left devastated by the tragic death of Liam Payne.
The former One Direction star died aged 31 after falling 45 feet from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palmero Hotel in Argentina on Wednesday (Simon and pictured in 2014).
“This news (of Liam’s death) has hit Simon incredibly hard – he is completely shocked and devastated,” a source said. the sun.
‘He adored Liam and was close to his family, who he would certainly communicate with privately. He didn’t feel it was right to continue filming BGT, and when it resumes on Saturday, he doesn’t feel he’ll be in the right mental space to continue.
“All the judges and the production team support us enormously.”
Earlier in the week, a spokesperson for Freemantle UK, the show’s producer, announced they were suspending auditions for Britain’s Got Talent.
Their statement read: “Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, we have decided to postpone the Britain’s Got Talent auditions.” “Our thoughts are with Liam’s friends, family and everyone who loved him.”
The music mogul, 65, met Payne when he auditioned for the X Factor for the first time at the age of 14.
It comes hours after Katie Waissel, a 38-year-old singer-songwriter who auditioned alongside Payne on the 2010 X Factor series, named Cowell in two statements in which she accused music bosses of focusing on “profits.” instead of people.” .
Waissel first took to
The former Strictly star shielded her eyes behind sunglasses as she arrived at Winter Gardens as filming of the talent show resumed.
The distraught Simon was seen being kicked out of auditions after filming was halted on Wednesday.
The music mogul, 65, met Payne when he auditioned for the X Factor for the first time at the age of 14 (pictured).
Bruno joined the panel last year before being replaced by YouTube star KSI, 31 (second left, pictured with fellow judges and presenters Ant and Dec this week).
“If Simon Cowell dared to make a statement about the tragic and heartbreaking loss of my dear, dear friend Liam, he would be a fool. We all know the truth… and I will make sure it comes to light.’
He later issued a lengthy statement in which he described Payne as “my confidant and my rock’, before focusing on his view on the state of the music industry.
‘Liam was kind, with a pure heart, a sharp mind and the wisdom of an old soul. “His warmth and compassion left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Waissel wrote.
“His tragic passing not only leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who loved him, but also serves as a painful reminder of the systemic neglect that persists in the industry.
‘There are those who had a responsibility to provide the care and support necessary for the well-being of young artists, but too often the focus was on profits rather than people.
‘This industry has treated talent as if it were a commodity, and the neglect of duty of care has once again caused a heartbreaking loss. We only need to look at Simon Cowell’s recent interview with Steven Bartlett, where he admits that his biggest regret is not owning the band name.
‘The real regret should be not having prioritized the emotional and physical well-being of the artists who placed their trust in these institutions. Contracts, whether for television shows or record deals, carry a legal and moral duty of care that must be respected.’
Cowell, 65, was a judge on , Zayn Malik and Niall Horan)
Katie Waissel, a 38-year-old singer-songwriter who auditioned alongside Payne on the 2010 series of X Factor, named Cowell, accusing music bosses of focusing on “profits rather than people”.
Rebecca Ferguson, who also appeared on X Factor in 2010 alongside Payne and Waissel, also weighed in, saying she believed he would “still be alive” if he hadn’t signed up to the talent show.
Cowell (center) with (left to right) Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Zayn Malik
Waissel said his heart “breaks” for Payne’s family and that he was “deeply sorry for everything that happened.”
He added: “The change the industry so desperately needs will come and we will honor his legacy until it comes.” Keep singing in heaven, my friend. All my love, Katie.’
Rebecca Ferguson, who also appeared on his career.
He released his own tribute to Payne on X, writing: ‘It’s always a hotel room! We both met at Euston station and shared the taxi together to X Factor, young, innocent and oblivious to fame.
‘I can’t help but think of that little boy who was hopeful and looking forward to the bright future that awaited him. If he hadn’t gotten on that train and that taxi, I think he would be alive today.
‘I have spoken for years about the exploitation and speculation of young stars and its effects; many of us are still living with the consequences and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
‘Today many of us are devastated and reflective because it has finally claimed its first victim. Rest in peace Liam, I hope you find peace on the other side and love for your mother and family x.’