The One Show's Roman Kemp 'devastated' over Liam Payne's death

The presenter said the former One Direction star's death felt 'surreal'

Liam Payne and Roman Kemp during day one of Capital's Jingle Bell Ball with Coca-Cola at London's O2 Arena.
Liam Payne and Roman Kemp were friends. (PA Images/Alamy)

Roman Kemp has said he was left "devastated" by the death of Liam Payne.

The presenter was friends with the former One Direction singer, who died on Wednesday, 16 October at the age of 31 after falling from the third floor of the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

He paid tribute to Payne as he hosted The One Show on BBC One, saying that it felt "surreal".

Kemp's co-host Alex Jones opened the BBC programme on Thursday, 17 October by remembering Payne and reading out some messages from fans. She then turned to her co-host as she said: "Liam, obviously has been on the show many many times, but of course Roman, you knew him well didn't you?"

The star replied: "He was a friend of mine and it is so surreal talking about it, even now it doesn’t feel right."

Roman Kemp paid tribute to Liam Payne. (BBC screengrab)
Roman Kemp paid tribute to Liam Payne. (BBC screengrab)

"All I can say is that he had so much talent as a young man and someone that was so loved by so many people," he went on. "Do you know what? The main thing as well about Liam, that I don’t know if people really know, is that behind the camera [he was] so kind, like to everyone.

"And always just wanted to put a smile on people’s faces."

Read more: Liam Payne

"So yes, I was absolutely devastated obviously," said Kemp, adding: "All of our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very tough time."

Viewers were moved by Kemp's tribute, with one writing on X: "So sad thinking of you Roman take care of yourself!"

"Roman looks absolutely shattered bless him," said another.

Payne fell from the balcony of his hotel in Argentina and died on Wednesday evening at around 5pm local time. Police were called to the scene after reports of an "aggressive" man who may have been under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Singer Liam Payne being interviewed at the OVO Arena Wembley, London. Picture date: Saturday May 13, 2023. (Photo by Zac Goodwin/PA Images via Getty Images)
Liam Payne died in Buenos Aires. (PA Images via Getty Images)

It has been widely reported that staff at the hotel had made two calls to emergency services, over a guest who appeared to be under the influence.

Payne’s family said in a statement issued by his spokeswoman: "We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time."

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.

The One Show airs on BBC One on weekdays at 7pm.