James Corden looked somber as he arrived at Liam Payne’s funeral on Wednesday afternoon.
Liam died at age 31 on October 16 after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires.
Her close friend, actor and presenter James, 46, was among the many stars who came to show their support while she rested.
His One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, 30, Niall Horan, 31, Zayn Malik, 31, and Louis Tomlinson, 32, were also seen entering the church for what is their first public meeting as a group. since their last concert in 2015.
A church source said a choir and musicians will perform at the service, which began at 1 p.m.
James Corden looked somber as he arrived at Liam Payne’s funeral on Wednesday afternoon.
His close friend, actor and presenter James, 46, was among the many stars who came to show their support.
Liam died aged 31 on October 16 after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires (seen with James in 2017)
One of the flower displays near the church featured bowling pins and a ball, a nod to his love of bowling, which his girlfriend Kate Cassidy said he practiced four times a week.
After his death, James paid tribute to Liam saying: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is absolutely heartbreaking.”
‘He was such a loving and kind soul. I will treasure the moments I spent with him. My thoughts are with his family today x.’
Liam appeared on The Late Late Show as a guest with Corden in 2020 and also participated in their Carpool Karaoke segment.
The location of the funeral has been a closely guarded secret, with local residents only realizing it was taking place when “no parking” signs were posted around the church.
Two traffic officers patrolled the area handing out fines to drivers who ignored the signs.
Payne traveled to Argentina in September where he saw his former bandmate Niall Horan perform and also saw his close friend Rogelio ‘Roger’ Nores. He had extended his stay to renew his visa to live in the United States when the tragedy occurred.
The entrance to the church hosting the service has been decorated with lanterns with candles and white roses arranged among the surrounding bushes.
After his death, James paid tribute to Liam saying: “Talking about Liam in the past tense is absolutely heartbreaking.”
Liam appeared on The Late Late Show as a guest with Corden in 2020 and also participated in their Carpool Karaoke segment.
He seemed somber when he arrived at the funeral.
He was wearing an elegant black suit when he arrived.
A source said the sun: ‘His family has done everything possible to offer the perfect service and give him the farewell he deserves.
“Liam may have been a global superstar, but to Geoff and Karen he will always be their little boy. It’s going to be an incredibly difficult day.”
In a joint statement released after Payne’s death, Tomlinson, Malik, Horan and Styles said they were “completely devastated.”
“In time, and when everyone can do it, there will be more to say,” they said.
‘But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, whom we love dearly.
‘The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends and the fans who loved him alongside us.
‘We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam: Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.”
Tomlinson, Styles and Malik later posted separate tributes.
James and Liam are seen together in 2017