Simon Cowell is reportedly stepping down from his long-running variety show, Britain’s Got Talent.
It comes after filming of the ITV show was halted on Wednesday due to the tragic news about One Direction star Liam Payne’s death at 31.
It has since been reported that Cowell, 65, who founded One Direction on the X Factor, has decided to call it quits on the show following the shock news.
The Sun reports that Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, KSI and Bruno Tonioli will continue to film the show as music mogul Cowell steps down.
It has also been reported that former Strictly Come Dancing star Tonioli will be acting as Cowell’s official replacement.
A source told the publication: “This news has hit Simon incredibly hard – he is utterly shocked and devastated.
One Direction star Liam Payne was tragically confirmed to have died in Argentina on Wednesday
Getty
“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.
“All the judges and production crew are being hugely supportive.”
It comes after the show’s producer announced on Wednesday that auditions, which are currently taking place across the UK, were being paused in light of the news that singer Payne had died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.
The statement read: “Due to the tragic passing of Liam Payne, we have decided to postpone the Britain’s Got Talent auditions. Our thoughts are with Liam’s friends, family and all who loved him.”
Simon Cowell formed beloved boy band One Direction in 2010 on the X Factor
Getty
Late on Wednesday night, it was reported Payne had fallen at the hotel in Buenos Aires, with emergency services confirming a man had died at the scene.
City ambulance spokesperson Alberto Crescenti told the media that “injuries he had suffered as a result of the fall proved to be fatal. There was no possibility of resuscitating him”.
It has been reported police officers had previously been called to the hotel due to an “aggressive man who may have been under the effects of drugs and alcohol”.
Payne had in the past spoken about his close friendship with Cowell, claiming once the TV personality had created the beloved boyband around his image.
Payne commented: “He started with my face, and then worked around the rest. I was the honorary member of One Direction. He told me that story himself at his house,” The Sun reports.
Liam Payne is said to have been close with Simon Cowell, who formed the band 14 years ago
Getty
The pop singer also shared a son, seven-year-old Bear, with former X Factor judge Cheryl Cole.
Payne’s untimely death has sent shockwaves both throughout his fan base and the entertainment sphere, with many famous faces having spoken out against the industry as they paid tributes to the singer.
This includes fellow X Factor star Katie Waissel, who in a cryptic message warned Cowell not to speak out about Payne’s death.
Another member of the Cowell-led reality show family, Rebecca Ferguson, offered similar sentiments in her heartfelt tribute to the star.
GB News has contacted Cowell’s representatives for a comment.
