Auditions for the next series of Britain's Got Talent (BGT) have been cancelled following the death of former X Factor contestant and One Direction star Liam Payne. A statement posted on social media said the auditions in Blackpool had been halted.

Former One Direction singer Liam Payne has died aged 31 after falling from a hotel third floor while on holiday in Argentina with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy

"He adored Liam, and was close to his family with whom he is sure to reach out privately. He didn't feel it was right to continue with filming BGT, and when it resumes on Saturday, does not feel he'll be in the right head space to continue.

Simon Cowell canceled a taping of "Britain's Got Talent" on Thursday after the death of former One Direction member Liam Payne.

Simon Cowell has recently decided to call off the Britain's Got Talent auditions after Liam Payne's tragic death on October 16.The singer reportedly died on Wednesday after falling from his room

The presenting duo were snapped departing The Grant Hotel in Lytham Saint Annes in Lanarcshire on Thursday (October 17). It comes after the the ITV talent show confirmed it would be suspending filming in the wake of Liam Payne's tragic death on Wednesday night.

Britain's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell has cancelled filming for the reality TV competition following Liam Payne's death.

Simon Cowell has cancelled today’s Britain's Got Talent auditions in Blackpool as a mark of respect following the tragic death of his friend and One Direction star Liam Payne at the age of 31.

While Cowell himself hasn't issued a statement following Payne's death, The X Factor posted on social media, "We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne. He was immensely

Britain's Got Talent presenters Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly looked downbeat as they left The Grand Hotel in Lytham - after show bosses announced they would be postponing the Blackpool auditions.