Dame Denise Lewis wrote a heartbreaking tribute to Liam Payne after his tragic death at the age of 31 and shared never-before-seen photos of the star.
The heptathlete, 52, is married to Steve Finan, who was Liam’s manager for several years, and is considered by some to be the former One Direction star’s “fairy godmother”.
Denise and Steve were by Liam’s side through some of his most difficult times, including his fight with Cheryl, and he often stayed at their house as they struggled to keep him sober.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Denise shared a touching tribute to Liam with a collection of photos of the couple over the years and wrote that their ‘dark storms’ have now passed.
Denise thanked the late singer for “being so sweet” to her children and said he was “more loved than you could imagine.”
Denise Lewis has written a heartbreaking tribute to Liam Payne after his tragic death at the age of 31, sharing a collection of snaps of their friendship on Instagram on Tuesday.
The heptathlete is married to Steve Finan, who was Liam’s manager for several years, and is considered by some to be the former One Direction star’s ‘fairy godmother’.
‘Well. Here goes…’ she wrote. ‘I know it’s real and you won’t come back. So here’s to you, the real you.
‘Kind, funny, annoyingly silly but more talented than you knew, more loved than you could understand.
‘The dark storms have passed and all that awaits you is sunshine. You deserve it.’
He added: “Thank you for being so sweet with my children, the big child in you always knew what to say to make them laugh.” Rest well, darling… Wolvo and the world cry.’
Speaking to the Mail’s Katie Hind, a source said of Denise and Liam’s bond: “Liam adored Denise. “She looked after him and really tried to support him.
In snaps shared by Denise, Liam was seen enjoying days playing golf with his family and attending birthday parties.
He was also seen in a photo with Denise’s 22-year-old daughter Lauren as they posed with singer Rita Ora.
Liam He fell from the third floor of a hotel in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires last Wednesday night, before doctors confirmed his death.
Denise and Steve were by Liam’s side through some of his most difficult times, including his fight with Cheryl (Liam and Steve pictured).
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Denise shared a touching tribute to Liam with a collection of photos of the couple over the years.
Liam was seen in a photo with Denise’s 22-year-old daughter Lauren as they posed with singer Rita Ora.
Speaking to the Mail’s Katie Hind, a source said of Denise and Liam’s bond: ‘Liam adored Denise. She looked after him and really tried to support him’ (Liam and Steve pictured)
Their tribute to label Universal Music Group read: “We are devastated by the tragic passing of Liam Payne.
‘His legacy will live on through his music and the countless fans he inspired and who adored him. “We send our deepest condolences to Liam’s family and loved ones.”
Hours later it was revealed that the record label had fired Liam days before his death.
Originally signed to Sony as part of One Direction, Liam signed a deal with Capitol Records, a label owned by Universal, in July 2016 when he launched his solo career at just 22 years old.
Liam was said to be “excited” when he signed with Capitol in what was understood to have been a very lucrative deal.
The label is a subsidiary of Universal, but in the company’s recent reorganization it became part of the main label.
‘Well. Here goes…’ Denise wrote. ‘I know it’s real and you won’t come back. So here’s to you, the real you.
Liam fell from the third floor of a hotel in the Argentine capital of Buenos Aires last Wednesday night, before doctors confirmed his death.
Meanwhile, it was also revealed that Liam’s PR quit earlier this month, leaving him without any publicity representation.
The resignation came as Liam’s ex-fiancée Maya Henry launched legal proceedings against the singer after accusing him of repeatedly contacting her.
A source said: “It’s as if Liam’s entire musical career that he had built since going solo eight years ago was falling apart, there was very little left for him.”
“It must have absolutely devastated him.”