A former X Factor participant has said he would never forget the kindness the One Direction star showed him.
The former One Direction star Liam Payne died tragically yesterday after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Argentina.
The 31-year-old rose to fame after competing on reality television show The X Factor in 2010, which led to him joining the iconic boyband.
Liam's death came as a shock to many, and tributes have been pouring in for him from fans across the world today.
On Lunchtime Live today, musician and radio presenter Eoghan Quigg said he joined Liam on The X Factor in 2008 – with the future star going home disappointed in Round Three.
He said Liam's friendship supported him throughout his time on the show.
“I remember when he didn't get through, he was absolutely devastated,” said Eoghan. “But he said, ‘I'm going to try again; I'm going to do it again.’
“Sure enough, he did and he eventually got to the heights that he dreamed of.”
Friends and competitors
When the pair went to Buenos Aires to compete for the judges, Eoghan said Liam and his family were there to support him.
“I was 16, so I wasn't allowed a parent, and Liam was 15, so he was,” he said.
“Karen [Liam’s mother] kind of took me under her wing and made sure I was okay, as well as Liam.
“So I've always been so grateful to them for that.”
2DGRW2R Liam Payne on stage during day two of Capital's Jingle Bell Ball 2017 with Coca-Cola at the O2 Arena, London. Image: Doug Peters / Alamy Stock Photo. 10 December 2017Eoghan went on to finish third in the finals that year, while Liam was sent home after the Buenos Aires trip.
He would return two years later, where he became a member of One Direction.
Following the breakup of One Direction, Liam went on to release his own music.
His 2017 debut solo song 'Strip That Down' is remembered as one of his most popular hits.
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