Adrian Chiles' Liam Payne tribute explained as broadcaster attends One Direction star's funeral

Adrian Chiles was among the many mourners at Liam Payne's funeral today. The One Direction star died in Buenos Aires on October 16, aged 31, and was laid to rest today at St Mary's Church in Amersham, south-east England.

The service was attended by a number of celebrities who came together to grieve on a moving day. BBC broadcaster Adrian wore a West Bromwich Albion coat as he said his final goodbye.

The 57-year-old has previously explained how he bonded with Liam over their shared love of the Midlands team. He previously told the BBC: 'I got to know him when he first did X Factor. He came up to me and said 'up the Albion'. He was a West Brom fan.

"Just as a sign as to how massive he was, I remember we snuck him into a Boxing Day game and I think his mum and dad came and sat with me. But we managed to secrete our man up in the commentary gantry so he didn't get bothered."

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He added: "Then a friend of mine texted me to ask 'why are West Brom trending number one on Twitter?' I went, 'Well, it could be because Liam Payne is here and he tweeted he was here and the whole world went mad for it.'"

Adrian was one of many mourners at the One Direction star's funeral today. Cheryl paid her respects and attended the service alongside bandmates, Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts.

The 41-year-old Girls Aloud star was in a relationship with Liam from February 2016 to July 2018 and they share a child named Bear. Liam's One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson were also among the mourners at the service.

Liam's One Direction bandmates released a statement shortly after he died and said they were devastated by Liam death. They said: "We're completely devastated by the news of Liam's passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.

"But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved 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. (sic)" Kate Cassidy, the social media influencer who was in a relationship with Liam from October 2022 until his death, was also seen arriving at the service today.

Simon Cowell, who helped orchestrate Liam's rise to stardom on the X Factor, attended the service alongside his partner Lauren Silverman.